Zhang is the Music Director and Conductor of Vancouver Philharmonic Symphony Society, New Westminster Symphony Orchestra (since 1992) and the Vancouver Youth Symphony (Intermediate) Orchestra, and Westcoast Choir Society. His compositions have been performed by Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and numerous ensembles and choirs. His music is often heard on BBC, CBC, VTV and other networks.

In 2006, he was featured by the Canadian Music Centre’s online initiative entitled "Composer Portraits - Influences of Many Musics", which highlighted the contributions of Canadian composers from other countries. Born in China, Zhang received musical education at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo. Zhang studied conducting with Prof. Morihiro Okabe, maestro Kazuyoshi Akiyama and Seiji Ozawa.

Fire - Jin Zhang (2007)

Composed for Triaspora and choreographed by Chengxin Wei and Jessica Jone of Moving Dragon, this piece was inspired by the 1960 fire that burned the Chinatown in Nanaimo BC to the ground. The tape parts (not included in this excerpt) were sampled from interviews with the people who had lived through this dramatic event.

recorded live in 2007; zheng performed by previous member Gelina Jiang

Ghost Mind - Jin Zhang (2006), Canada Council Commission

It is based on four Chinese characters: meng (dream), xu (blur), piao (float), yi (suspect), representing different images of ghosts in Chinese tradition. Starting with the first character, each section of the piece adds a new layer representing the next characters.

Written in three sections for erhu, zheng, and percussion, this work is an exploration of contrasts, moving between tenderness and strength, forcefulness and tranquility.

Lantern Riddles - Jin Zhang (2000), Canada Council Commission

selected from the Orchid Ensemble's CD Heartland;

zheng performed by previous member Mei Han

Beautiful paper lanterns of every size and design are hung every evening during the Chinese Autumn Moon Festival. From these lanterns often dangle small strips of paper containing riddles, and great enjoyment is taken in trying to solve the riddles during the festival.