Cellist

A dedicated and accomplished cellist, Xue Chen holds a Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) from Arizona State University, where she was a recipient of both the Anna Rosenzweig Memorial String Fellowship and the Special Talent Award. Originally from China, Xue Chen began her musical journey with a bachelor’s degree from the Xi’an Conservatory of Music before advancing her studies with a Master of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Oregon and an Artist Diploma from the University of Redlands.

With years of orchestral experience, she currently serves in the West Valley Symphony. She held positions with the Scottsdale Philharmonic Orchestra, where she served as Associate Principal in 2023-2024. She also had been principal cellist with the Inland Valley Orchestra, adding depth and leadership to her extensive orchestral experience. As a soloist, Xue Chen has graced stages from Arizona to New York, performing at venues such as Carnegie Hall-Weil Recital Hall and in commemorative performances, including the 20th-anniversary event honoring the victims of 9/11 with ASU Korean Music Association in Katzin Concert Hall.

Her commitment to musical excellence has earned her numerous awards, including first-place honors in the American Protégé International Concerto Competition and the chamber music competition at the Hartt School of Music. She was also awarded a merit-based scholarship to the Brevard Summer Music Festival.

Pushing the boundaries of classical music, Xue Chen recently collaborated with emerging
composer Yunfei Li—a student of esteemed 20th-century composer Prof. Yi Chen—on The North Suite, a contemporary work inspired by Chinese regional music. This three-movement suite, published in Xue Chen's dissertation via ProQuest, enriches the solo cello repertoire by blending tradition with innovation. Through this project, Xue Chen promotes cultural diversity in music and contributes to the expansion of contemporary cello compositions.