Biography

Evie Chen is a dynamic and versatile violinist whose artistry spans both classical and contemporary repertoires. A native of Palo Alto, California, Chen made her solo debut at the age of eight with the Fremont Symphony Orchestra, after becoming the youngest recipient of the Nafisa Taghioff Award in their Young Artists Competition. Since then, she has performed with ensembles such as the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, Palo Alto Chamber Orchestra, California Youth Symphony, Eastman Philharmonia, Shepherd School Symphony Orchestra, and the Houston Symphony Orchestra.

Equally passionate about education, Chen has made a significant impact on the next generation of musicians. She founded the UTK String Project in 2021, which has enrolled numerous young students from the Knoxville community. She has performed and given masterclasses across the United States, including engagements at Bay View Music Festival, Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Cedar Valley Chamber Festival, Kalmia Garden Music and Arts, and Varna International. Her pedagogical philosophy emphasizes the importance of ergonomic techniques and individualized instruction. By prioritizing a healthy, mindful approach to technique, Chen fosters an environment where her students can develop their own musical voices with confidence and freedom.

Chen is deeply committed to expanding the scope of classical music beyond the traditional concert stage. Her passion for exploring diverse musical traditions and contemporary voices fuels her advocacy for innovative and inclusive programming. This dedication has led to numerous premieres and ignited her research into integrating classical and contemporary pedagogical practices. Her work seeks to engage new audiences and expand the possibilities of classical music for both listeners and musicians alike.

Chen earned her Doctor of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in violin performance from Rice University with Paul Kantor. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Rochester and a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the Eastman School of Music, where she was awarded the Performer’s Certificate under the tutelage of Mikhail Kopelman.

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Education

• DMA – Rice University
• MM – Rice University
• BM – Eastman School of Music
• BA – University of Rochester