Tony Yan Tong Chen

Born in Auckland, New Zealand of Chinese descent, Tony Yan Tong Chen has performed in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Spain, and his home country. He has appeared as concerto soloist with the Bach Musica, Orchestra Auckland, Nelson Symphony, Aotea Youth Symphony, and as Young Artist at the Whakatipu and Akaroa International Music Festivals. Recordings of his live performances have been broadcast on the Sky Arts Channel (2015), The Violin Channel (2021), and New Zealand’s RNZ Concert Radio (2017-22).

 

His debut album recording on the Rattle label RAT-D112 was selected as one of three finalists for New Zealand’s Best Classical Album/Artist at Recorded Music NZ’s 2021 Aotearoa Music Awards. His competitive experience has included winning the New Zealand National Piano Competition (2019), Alternate at the MTNA New York State Young Artist Piano Competition (2019), 2nd Prize at the Marian Garcia International Piano Competition (2021), Finalist Award at the Stecher and Horowitz 10th New York International Piano Competition (2022), Honorable Mention (Div. V) and Finalist (Div. X) at the 17th Los Angeles International Liszt Competition (2022).

 

Chen is a graduate of the Eastman School of Music where he studied with Alan Chow, after completing the Young Scholars Program at the University of Auckland School of Music with Rae de Lisle. His former teachers also include Bryan Sayer, Jian Liu, Able Zhu, and Blas Gonzalez. In 2023 he began postgraduate studies with Kathryn Brown at the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he is currently recipient of the Director’s Award for Piano.

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