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Composer Performer

 

Phyllis Chen is a renowned classical music artist who has made a name for herself as a pianist, composer, and toy pianist. Born in 1977 in New York City, Chen grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a young age. Her mother was a pianist, and her father was a composer, so it was only natural that Chen would follow in their footsteps. Chen began playing the piano at the age of three and quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument. She went on to study at the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned a Bachelor of Music degree in piano performance. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree in piano performance from the Northwestern University School of Music. Throughout her career, Chen has been recognized for her exceptional talent and has received numerous awards and accolades. In 2000, she was awarded the prestigious Presser Foundation Award, which is given to outstanding music students in the United States. She was also a recipient of the ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Award in 2002. Chen's career as a classical music artist has been marked by a number of notable performances and collaborations. In 2006, she performed at the Lincoln Center Festival in New York City, where she premiered her composition "Hush," which was written for toy piano and electronics. The piece was well-received by audiences and critics alike and helped to establish Chen as a leading figure in the world of toy piano music. In 2008, Chen collaborated with the acclaimed choreographer and dancer, Shen Wei, on a production called "Re-," which was performed at the Park Avenue Armory in New York City. The production featured Chen playing the toy piano and other unconventional instruments, while Wei performed a series of intricate and mesmerizing dance movements. Chen has also collaborated with a number of other notable musicians and composers, including John Zorn, Meredith Monk, and Pauline Oliveros. In 2012, she performed at the Bang on a Can Marathon in New York City, where she premiered her composition "The Memoirist," which was written for toy piano and electronics. In addition to her work as a performer and composer, Chen is also a dedicated educator. She has taught at a number of institutions, including the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University and the University of California, San Diego. She has also conducted workshops and masterclasses around the world, helping to inspire and educate the next generation of classical music artists. Chen's unique approach to classical music, which often incorporates unconventional instruments and techniques, has earned her a devoted following and has helped to expand the boundaries of the genre. Her work as a toy pianist, in particular, has helped to elevate the instrument from a novelty item to a legitimate tool for musical expression. Overall, Phyllis Chen is a talented and innovative classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the genre. Her dedication to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in classical music has earned her numerous accolades and has helped to inspire a new generation of musicians and composers.

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