Catherine Chen

IN-PERSON & ONLINE LESSONS

Vancouver-born violist Dr. Catherine Chen is a dedicated and accomplished orchestra musician with an impressive career that includes engagements as the principal violist of the Baton Rouge Symphony, Lubbock Symphony, and various other orchestras across Louisiana and Texas. Since returning to Vancouver, she has been focusing on maintaining her private teaching studio and performing as a freelance musician, often playing for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra and other local ensembles.

Dr. Chen has performed recitals across the United States, Canada, and Taiwan, and has soloed with orchestras as a winner of concerto competitions at Louisiana State University and Texas Tech University. Her passion for contemporary music performance is evident in her frequent programming of works by composers who identify as women, persons of color, and LGBTQ+. Notably, she has performed at Carnegie Hall with the Constantinides New Music Ensemble and spent several summers as the violist for the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble.

In addition to her performance career, Dr. Chen is equally enthusiastic about education. She has been a faculty member at the University of Texas Permian Basin, teaching viola and coaching chamber music. Her teaching philosophy centers on inspiring excellence and nurturing curiosity in her students. She strives to create a supportive and engaging learning environment, aiming to be as influential and motivating a teacher as her own mentors were to her.

Dr. Chen holds music performance degrees from Louisiana State University (DMA), Rice University (MMus), and McGill University (BMus), having studied under esteemed instructors Kimberly Sparr, James Dunham, and André Roy, respectively.