Winner 2004 Sydney International Piano Competition

Norwegian musician John Chen has always been passionate about music. Born in Oslo, he started playing the piano when he was five. A full education in music followed. This includes a Bachelor’s degree from the Barratt Due Institute of Music under the tutelage of Einar Steen-Nøkleberg and a Master’s Degree from the New England Conservatory of Music under the tutelage of Stephen Drury.

Chen has long been considered one of Norway’s most promising talents, making his soloist debut at the tender age of 12. Performances with orchestras around the world quickly followed, including the Brussels Chamber Orchestra, the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, and the Romerike and Asker Symphony Orchestra.

His musical gifts have seen Chen perform at venues and concert halls around the world. He is a popular performer ad music festivals and Master Classes the world over. He has performed at Bowdoin International Music Festival, Margess International Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival and many more. He has also performed at Olav’s Hall in Trondheim, the National Norwegian Opera & Ballet, and Drøbak Church as a recitalist.

Chen is sought for his performances in concerts and arrangements both in Norway and around the world. In Norway, he has performed at the 100th anniversary of Oslo Music Teachers Association, the Museum of Vigeland, the Oslo Chamber Music Festival and the Munch Museum. Abroad, he has performed in concerts in the USA, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Belgium. He has performed multiple times on radio, including a New Year’s Concert broadcast in Norway and Africa, and was one of the finalists on Virtuos, a competition by the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation.

Chen has received wide international acclaim. This includes winning the first prize in Norway’s Young Musician Competition an impressive six times, and three first prizes in the Sparre Olsen-Competition. He has also won third prize in the Princess Astrids music prize and the Solo Piano in Concours Grieg. Finally, Chen has received a number of scholarships as a result of his talent, including the Rønning Legacy for the performing musicians, the Ånun Lund Rej’s trust and stipends from the Yamaha Foundation YMFE Europe.