Yunjie Chen is a Chinese classical pianist who has gained international recognition for her exceptional talent and musicality. Born on August 8, 1993, in Shanghai, China, Chen began playing the piano at the age of four and quickly showed a natural aptitude for the instrument. Her parents, both music lovers, recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue her passion for music. Chen's early musical education was under the guidance of her mother, who was a piano teacher. She received her first formal training at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she studied with renowned pianist and pedagogue Professor Yin Chengzong. Under his tutelage, Chen developed a deep understanding of the technical and artistic aspects of piano playing, and her skills rapidly improved. In 2007, at the age of 14, Chen won first prize in the Junior Group of the 5th Hong Kong Asia Piano Open Competition, which marked the beginning of her successful career as a pianist. She went on to win numerous other awards and competitions, including the 1st Prize in the 2010 Shanghai International Piano Competition, the 2nd Prize in the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition for Young Musicians, and the 1st Prize in the 2012 China International Piano Competition. Chen's talent and hard work earned her a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School in New York City, where she received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in piano performance. During her time at Juilliard, Chen had the opportunity to work with some of the world's most renowned pianists, including Emanuel Ax, Yoheved Kaplinsky, and Robert McDonald. She also performed in many prestigious venues, such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center. One of Chen's most notable performances was her debut recital at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall in 2016. The program included works by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, and Liszt, and showcased Chen's technical brilliance and musical sensitivity. The New York Concert Review praised her performance, stating that "her playing was marked by a rare combination of virtuosity, sensitivity, and musical intelligence." Chen has also performed as a soloist with many orchestras, including the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the China Philharmonic Orchestra, and the New York Youth Symphony. In 2018, she made her debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra, performing Rachmaninoff's Piano Concerto No. 2 under the baton of conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. The Philadelphia Inquirer praised her performance, stating that "Chen's playing was technically brilliant and emotionally expressive, with a rich, warm tone and a deep understanding of the music." In addition to her solo career, Chen is also an active chamber musician. She has collaborated with many distinguished artists, including violinist Itzhak Perlman, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and pianist Lang Lang. In 2019, she formed a piano duo with her husband, pianist and composer Zhihua Hu, and they have performed together in many concerts and festivals. Chen's repertoire is vast and diverse, ranging from Baroque to contemporary music. She has a particular affinity for the works of Chopin and Rachmaninoff, and her interpretations of their music have been praised for their poetic lyricism and emotional depth. She is also a champion of contemporary music and has premiered works by many living composers. Chen's talent and dedication have earned her many accolades and honors.

More....