Taiwanese-American violist Che-Yen Chen has established himself as an active performer and educator. After winning First Prize at the 2003 Primrose International Viola Competition and the 'President's Prize' at the Lionel Tertis International Viola Competition, he was praised for his ability to uncover not just subtle emotion, but the humanity within the music. As a founding and former member of the Formosa Quartet, Chen won First Prize at the 2006 London International String Quartet Competition and has released recordings on EMI, Delos, New World, and Bridge Records. Through the Formosa Quartet, Chen co-founded the Formosa Chamber Music Festival in Taiwan, realizing his vision of providing world-class music training to young Taiwanese musicians while fostering global exchanges of talent and artistic collaboration. Chen served as principal violist of the San Diego Symphony and Mainly Mozart Festival Orchestra for eight years and has appeared as guest principal with orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, National Arts Centre Orchestra, and Toronto Symphony. A former member of Lincoln Center's Chamber Music Society Two, Chen regularly performs and teaches at music festivals across North America and Asia. In 2023, he was named Chief Executive Officer of the Taipei Music Academy and Festival, marking a significant step in his mission to elevate music education in Taiwan. In this pivotal role, he not only mentors the next generation of talent but also serves as a cultural ambassador, bringing the unique 'Taiwan Experience' to a global audience through music.
