Ray Chen: "Connecting with the World Through Music... I Would Choose to Be a Violinist Again"
by Park Pyunghee
Published 21 Apr.2026 18:20(KST)
A Recital at Lotte Concert Hall, Like a Multi-Course Meal
"The Moment the Audience Seems to Hold Their Breath, I Feel a Powerful Connection"
"An Artist’s Life Is the Greatest Joy and Privilege"
Violinist Ray Chen (pictured) said that if he were to be born again, he would still choose the life of a musician. He explained that this is because he feels the joy of being "connected" to the world through music. He also emphasized that music has the power to change the world.
Ray Chen will hold a solo recital at Lotte Concert Hall on June 4. In a written interview with The Asia Business Daily, he shared that the greatest joy for him as a violinist comes from moments when he feels connected to the audience.
"When I perform, I always try to be aware of the audience. There comes a moment when I feel the listeners have entered the performer’s mind. When the audience's breathing becomes shallow, as if they've nearly stopped breathing, that's when I sense a clear connection. Ultimately, this is not just a connection with the audience but also with the composer. The performer becomes a medium linking the audience and the composer."
Ray Chen made his name known to the global music world by winning the Queen Elisabeth International Competition in 2009 at the age of 20. Since then, he has actively performed on major stages worldwide as a leading violinist. He keeps a hectic schedule, spending more than 250 days each year away from home.
Ray Chen said, "My childhood dream of traveling the world and sharing music has gradually evolved, and now my goal is to create positive change through the power of music."
Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, when connections with the world were severed, he sought new ways to connect through music by co-founding an application called "Tonic." Ray Chen described Tonic as "an online live practice room platform where others can join at any time to listen to or practice music together."
"I believe music is more meaningful when shared. Like many other musicians, during the pandemic, I suddenly lost the opportunity to connect with people through performances. The core value of Tonic is simple: 'connection.' Practicing music is a deeply personal activity, and it can sometimes feel isolating. I wanted to create something that would remind everyone that no one is alone on this journey."
For this recital, Ray Chen plans to present a diverse repertoire spanning Baroque, Classical, and Romantic styles. He will open with Mozart’s Violin Sonata No. 32, followed by Grieg’s Violin Sonata No. 3, and major excerpts from Bach’s Violin Partita No. 3 for solo violin. The recital will conclude with works by Sarasate, including "Spanish Dance No. 1: Playera," which captures the deep melancholy of Andalusia, and the "Carmen Fantasy," a brilliant reinterpretation of Bizet’s opera melodies.
He explained, "I have prepared a variety of styles, from Mozart and Bach, to Grieg’s Norwegian music, Spanish dances, and the drama of the 'Carmen Fantasy.' I think of the recital as a multi-course meal, designed so that the audience can enjoy a range of musical flavors in one sitting." For this performance, Ray Chen will be joined by American pianist Chelsea Wang, with whom he has been collaborating regularly.
He reiterated that he would choose the life of a violinist again if given the chance. "I know that living as an artist is one of the greatest joys and privileges one can choose in life. I truly believe that the path I have taken so far is the best possible path in the entire universe."
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