Guangdong-born violinist Chen Jiayi has been appointed concertmaster of Finland's Lahti Symphony Orchestra, one of the most renowned orchestras in the Nordic region. The appointment marks a major career milestone for Chen and places her among a small number of young Chinese musicians to have secured a leading position in top European orchestras.
Recognized internationally for its distinctive "Nordic sound," the Lahti Symphony Orchestra has earned acclaim for its interpretations of works by Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and contemporary Nordic repertoire. Regarded as one of Finland's leading cultural institutions, the orchestra has built a strong reputation on the global classical music scene.
Chen's musical journey began in Guangdong Province, where she received much of her early training before pursuing professional studies. Raised and educated in Dongguan, she joined the Guangzhou Symphony Youth Orchestra in 2011 and served as its concertmaster until 2014. During that period, she frequently performed with the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra, gaining valuable orchestral experience at a young age.
In 2015, she achieved national recognition by winning first prize in the violin category of the Chinese Golden Bell Award for Music, one of China's most prestigious music competitions. The honor established her as one of China's most promising young violinists.
In 2017, Chen was selected for the inaugural Youth Music Culture Guangdong (YMCG), now known as Youth Music Culture The Greater Bay Area, where she served as concertmaster of the festival orchestra.
After graduating from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, where she studied under renowned violin professors including Yu Lina and Lan Hancheng, Chen continued her education in Europe. She later earned a master's degree in chamber music from the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna, further refining her artistry under the guidance of internationally acclaimed musicians.
From 2017 to 2021, she served as associate principal second violin of the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, building a strong professional record before taking her next step onto the international stage.
Chen will officially join the Lahti Symphony Orchestra in August this year. Her appointment highlights the growing international presence of young Chinese classical musicians and reflects the important role of Guangdong's youth music programs in nurturing talent capable of competing at the highest levels of the profession.
Reflecting on her experience with YMCG, Chen said that the program provided young musicians with opportunities to challenge themselves and broaden their horizons. Beyond musical training, she said her mentors taught her the importance of sincerity, generosity, and relationships with others .
"The most important thing I learned," she said, "is that music is ultimately about love and sharing."
Reporter: Li Fangwang
Photo: Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra
