Kevin Chen stands out as one of Canada’s most brilliant young pianists. Having started his musical journey at just five years old, Chen has already secured victories at numerous prestigious international competitions. In this article on calgary1.one, we dive into his rise to fame, his major milestones, and his lasting impact on the global cultural scene.
Early Life and Education
Born in March 2005 to a Chinese-Canadian family, Kevin Chen began his piano studies at age five. He honed his craft under the guidance of esteemed teachers Colleen Athparia, Krzysztof Jablonski, and Marilyn Engle.
His talent didn’t stay hidden for long. In 2013, the CBC named him one of Canada’s “30 Hot Classical Musicians Under 30.” By the age of eight, he made his orchestral debut, quickly earning the reputation of a true musical prodigy.
Since that debut, he has performed with several renowned ensembles, including:
- Edmonton Symphony Orchestra;
- Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra;
- Vancouver Island Symphony;
- Okanagan Symphony Orchestra;
- Astana Opera Symphony Orchestra (Kazakhstan);
- Minnesota Orchestra;
- Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra (South Carolina);
- Hungarian National Philharmonic Orchestra.
Orchestras have frequently performed Chen’s own original compositions as part of their programming.
Dominating the International Stage
As Chen matured, his success shifted to the world’s biggest competitions. In 2019, he took the top prize at the International Mozart Piano Competition in Lugano. In 2020, he made history at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Budapest, becoming both the youngest participant and the youngest winner in the event’s history. Chen also holds a first-prize finish from the Arthur Rubinstein International Piano Master Competition.
In 2025, Kevin Chen claimed second place at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, with American Eric Lu taking the gold. Along with the silver medal, Chen was awarded €40,000. His bold choice to perform the complete set of Chopin’s “Op. 10” Etudes during the second stage earned widespread acclaim. Polish critics described his performance as a “cohesive musical narrative rather than a mere display of virtuosity.”
The Phenomenon of Kevin Chen
Chen’s early achievements were a constant fixture in local headlines. When he was just seven, the Calgary Herald hailed him as “the most exceptional” talent in a city known for its rich history of young musical stars, such as Wesley Chu, Stephen Nguyen, and Jan Lisiecki.
His work as a composer has also drawn significant interest. By the age of ten, he had already written three symphonies and over 80 other works for piano and violin.
The press often recounts his early fascination with the instrument. Before turning three, he was already playing and composing on a toy piano, singing simple songs for his family. While Chen himself doesn’t remember those toddler years—or even his first “real” lesson at five—he has always felt a deep connection to music. Similarly, he cannot pinpoint when he first discovered Franz Liszt, yet the composer’s work has remained the most profound influence on his artistry.
Calgary has long been a hub for world-class pianists. It is home to the renowned Honens International Piano Competition and boasts top-tier music programs at the University of Calgary and Mount Royal University. Much of this legacy can be traced back to the legendary Gladys Egbert, whose studio mentored generations of the city’s music teachers.
However, true prodigies are rare, and talents as formidable as Chen’s are even rarer. His abilities go far beyond the technical mastery required to play a difficult score. His journey from a toddler at a toy piano to an internationally acclaimed artist is a testament to incredible discipline, raw talent, and an unwavering passion for the arts.