Tony Yan Tong Chen – Piano

Born in Auckland, Tony Yan Tong Chen has performed throughout New Zealand, North America and Europe. His debut album with the Rattle label received finalist selection for New Zealand’s Best Classical Album of the Year at the Aotearoa Music Awards in 2021. Winner of the Wallace New Zealand National Piano Competition in 2019, Tony has taken awards in numerous other international competitions. A graduate of the Eastman School of Music, he continues his studies at the Cleveland Institute where he is recipient of the Director’s Award for Piano.

The programme will offer a wide range of styles – opening with a touch of Baroque from Rameau before moving to Beethoven’s Opus 90 Sonata. This sonata, of only two movements, is noted for its concise form and emotional depth. Two Chopin works follow: a delightful Waltz paves the way for the Sonata No 2.

Tony in 2025 is focusing on Scriabin, so we can look forward to discovering more about this colourful Russian composer. A Waltz and a group of Etudes will be followed by the demanding, dramatic fifth Sonata. The concert closes with Ravel’s own piano transcription of his popular orchestral work La Valse.