Chao-Chih George Chen

Taiwanese clarinetist Chao-Chih George Chen is considered one of the most talented young clarinetists of his generation. He is quickly building a reputation as a rising young star with outstanding potential — a top prizewinner of Buffet Crampon Asia Pacific Clarinet Competition, Taiwan National Music Competition, and second prizewinner Xi’an International Clarinet Competition and Eisenberg-Fried Concerto Competition.

As soloist, Chao-Chih earned multiple opportunities to play concertos with orchestras around the country; two noteworthy pieces included ‘G. Rossini: Introduction, Theme and Variations’ and ‘W. A. Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A major, KV. 622’. During a reception on Taiwan’s National Day, he was invited by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to perform for the country’s president and other members of the government. He has received scholarship awards from the Taiwan Rotary Clubs Association and the Hsing Tian Kong Foundation.

As an orchestra and chamber musician, he was appointed principal for Manhattan School of Music’s symphony and band, Taipei Youth Festival Orchestra, and also won the top prize of Eslite Young Chamber Musician Competition with his chamber ensemble Trio Astralis. Other highlights include an invitation to play with The Metamorphosis Chamber Orchestra, selection as a fellow at the Sarasota Music Festival and Bowdoin International Music Festival, as well as winning The Lillian Fuchs Chamber Music Competition.

Aside from his professional experiences, Chao-Chih is interested in the psychology of human behavior, photography, and playing the saxophone. At the age of 12, he began earning his first paycheck to support himself by playing the saxophone as a street performer. He has also performed in multiple concerts, including ones for the country’s 228 Memorial day and the International Agriculture Exposition.

Chao-Chih holds a master’s degree from the Manhattan School of Music. His teachers are the world-famous clarinetists Charles Neidich and Ti Huang.