Matthew Chen

2010 National Debut Competition Discovery Prize Winner

Matthew Chen started playing the cello at age six.  Currently in the eighth grade, he attends Oaks Christian Middle School and studies cello with Ben Hong, assistant principal cellist in the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Mr. Hong is Matthew’s inspiration to play the cello.

As a member of the Young Musicians Foundation’s Chamber Music Series since 2005, Matthew had the opportunity to accompany pop artist Kelly Clarkson at the 2006 Grammy Awards.

Matthew has also been a member of the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra since 2002 and is currently seated at principal.  He has also performed a solo concerto with the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra.

Matthew has won many scholarships and awards. In 2004, he received first place in the MTAC West San Fernando Valley Branch Cello Competition and received third place in the Los Angeles Violoncello Society Scholarship Audition.  In 2005, Matthew received first place again from the MTAC West San Fernando Valley Branch Cello Competition and won third place in the Taiwanese Benevolent Association of California’s 15^th Annual Young Musicians Competition in Los Angeles.  Since 2007, Matthew has been awarded the prestigious Young Musicians Foundation Gregor Piatigorisky Memorial Cello Scholarship in consecutive years and has also received consecutive scholarships from the Fé Bland Foundation Scholarship from the Santa Barbara Foundation.  In 2007, Matthew won first place in the Los Angeles Violoncello Society competition as well as first place in the Taiwanese Benevolent Association of California’s Annual Young Musicians competition.

Matthew has performed several recitals. One in 2008 in the University Women Concert Series at the American Jewish College and another early in 2010. He has also toured with the Conejo Valley Youth Orchestra to Vienna, Austria where he performed a public recital in addition to performing in the Vienna Konzerthaus. He has recently won a competition and will also be featured as a soloist with the Thousand Oaks Philharmonic.

Playing the cello is Matthew’s favorite pastime, and he is honored to be blessed with such a gift from God.  His goal is set for a career in music and hopes to accomplish his dream of being a renowned cellist.