Melvin Chen
The University of Central Arkansas will proudly host pianist and violinist Dr. Melvin Chen as an Artist in Residence on March 4-6.
Chen earned a doctorate in chemistry from Harvard University and holds a double master’s degree from The Juilliard School in piano and violin. Chen’s performances have been featured on radio and television stations around the world, including KBS television and radio in Korea, NHK television in Japan, and NPR in the United States. As a professor at Yale School of Music, Chen teaches a studio of graduate and undergraduate piano students. In addition, he serves as Director of the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival/Yale Summer School of Music. Chen’s notable solo recordings include Beethoven’s “Diabelli” Variations and piano music by Joan Tower, among others.
“We are thrilled to have a Yale professor coming to work with our students,” says faculty sponsor Linda Hsu. “Melvin’s expertise in piano, violin, and chamber music will undoubtedly bring a wealth of knowledge, invaluable insights, and guidance to the masterclasses. He has an extraordinary mind that seamlessly blends artistry and intellect. I met Melvin playing in the Yale Symphony Orchestra when we were undergraduates. He amazed everyone by winning the concerto competition on the piano one year, and again on the violin the next. It’s truly remarkable, especially considering he was a double major in physics and chemistry. His unique combination of musical brilliance and academic excellence is an inspiration to us all. I can’t wait to hear his lecture on chemistry and music.”
Chen’s residency will include these events:
- March 4: Piano Master Class — 7:30-9:30 p.m., Windgate Concert Hall
- March 5: Violin Master Class — 4-6 p.m., Windgate Concert Hall
- March 5: Chamber Music Master Class — 7:30-9 p.m., Windgate Concert Hall
- March 6: Lecture Presentation — 1:40-2:30 p.m., Snow Fine Arts Recital Hall
- March 6: Public Performance: Piano Recital (free and open to the public) — 7:30 p.m., Windgate Concert Hall
This residency is sponsored by the UCA College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Studies.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024-25, the UCA Artists in Residence program is funded by UCA arts fees with additional support from Engage Management and Pyramid Art, Books, and Custom Framing. These events are free to UCA students and open to the public. No tickets are required. Events are located on the UCA campus, 201 Donaghey Ave, Conway, AR 72035. For more information about the UCA Artist in Residence program, visit https://uca.edu/cahss/artists-in-residence/ or contact Dr. Gayle Seymour, associate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at (501) 450-3293; gayles@uca.edu.
