Stephanie Chua is a Canadian classical pianist and educator who has made a name for herself in the world of contemporary music. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1983, Chua began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She went on to study at the University of British Columbia, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance, and later at the University of Toronto, where she completed a Master of Music degree in contemporary piano performance. Throughout her career, Chua has been recognized for her exceptional musicianship and dedication to contemporary music. In 2007, she was awarded the prestigious William A. G. and Alberta M. Young Artist Prize by the Canadian Federation of Music Teachers' Associations, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who have demonstrated exceptional talent and promise in their field. She has also been a finalist in several international piano competitions, including the Eckhardt-Gramatté National Music Competition and the International Gaudeamus Interpreters Competition. Chua has performed extensively throughout Canada and the United States, as well as in Europe and Asia. She has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa. She has also collaborated with many of Canada's leading contemporary music ensembles, including the Esprit Orchestra, the Continuum Contemporary Music Ensemble, and the Arraymusic Ensemble. One of Chua's most notable performances was her 2012 debut recital at New York's Carnegie Hall, where she performed a program of contemporary piano works by Canadian composers. The concert was well-received by critics and audiences alike, with the New York Times praising Chua's "impressive technique and musicality" and noting that she "played with a sense of conviction and purpose that was both compelling and inspiring." In addition to her performing career, Chua is also an active educator and advocate for contemporary music. She has taught piano at the University of Toronto and the Royal Conservatory of Music, and has given masterclasses and workshops at universities and music schools across Canada and the United States. She is also a founding member of the Toronto-based new music collective Thin Edge New Music Collective, which is dedicated to promoting and performing contemporary music by Canadian and international composers. Chua's repertoire is focused primarily on contemporary music, and she has premiered numerous works by Canadian and international composers. She has a particular interest in the music of Canadian composers, and has recorded several albums of Canadian piano music, including her 2015 album "Intimate Distance," which features works by Ann Southam, Linda Catlin Smith, and James Tenney. Chua's playing is characterized by its technical precision, expressive depth, and commitment to the music she performs. She is known for her ability to bring out the unique qualities of each piece she plays, and for her willingness to take risks and explore new musical territory. Her performances are often described as powerful and moving, and she has been praised for her ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level. Overall, Stephanie Chua is a talented and accomplished musician who has made a significant contribution to the world of contemporary music.

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