Yizhen Chen is a Chinese pianist known for his deep musical expression and his ability to communicate music with clarity and conviction. Winner of top prizes in competitions throughout the United States and East Asia, he has appeared in major international cities including New York, Sydney, and Shanghai, as well as in concert halls and music festivals across the United States and China.
A highlight of Yizhen’s recent artistic development is his growing presence as a concert pianist. In 2024, he received the Gold Medal at the Wideman International Piano Competition in Shreveport, Louisiana. His 2025 season features performances of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 with the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Kermit Poling, and Ravel’s Left Hand Concerto with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Michael Butterman.
Alongside his performance career, Yizhen is also committed to music education. He has served as junior faculty at the 2025 Vivace International Music Festival, teaching in the preparatory piano program, and was invited to present a masterclass for piano major students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Born in Ningbo, China, Yizhen began studying the piano at the age of three. After graduating from the Middle School of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, he continued his study in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Mannes School of Music under Vladimir Valjarević and is currently completing his Master of Music degree at The Juilliard School as a recipient of the Van Cliburn Scholarship, where he studies with department chair Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky and receives mentorship from pianist Nicolas Namoradze.
A highlight of Yizhen’s recent artistic development is his growing presence as a concert pianist. In 2024, he received the Gold Medal at the Wideman International Piano Competition in Shreveport, Louisiana. His 2025 season features performances of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 with the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra under Maestro Kermit Poling, and Ravel’s Left Hand Concerto with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra conducted by Maestro Michael Butterman.
Alongside his performance career, Yizhen is also committed to music education. He has served as junior faculty at the 2025 Vivace International Music Festival, teaching in the preparatory piano program, and was invited to present a masterclass for piano major students at Northwestern State University of Louisiana.
Born in Ningbo, China, Yizhen began studying the piano at the age of three. After graduating from the Middle School of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, he continued his study in New York City. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Mannes School of Music under Vladimir Valjarević and is currently completing his Master of Music degree at The Juilliard School as a recipient of the Van Cliburn Scholarship, where he studies with department chair Dr. Yoheved Kaplinsky and receives mentorship from pianist Nicolas Namoradze.