ABOUT
Alexander Chen is a Taiwanese-American conductor and cellist recognized for his dynamic artistry, inventive programming, and deep commitment to education and community engagement. Known for crafting compelling programs that weave together traditional masterworks with non-traditional repertoire, Chen has a particular passion for uncovering underrated gems and presenting them in fresh, meaningful contexts.
Chen currently serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Augusta Symphony working closely with Music Director Dirk Meyer. He is also a regular presence at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where he maintains a close relationship as both guest conductor and cover, assisting Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta, and Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins.
In 2026, Chen was appointed Music Director of the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore. Other career highlights include conducting South Carolina Philharmonic, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sinfonietta Dresden and collaborations with Anthony McGill, Demarre McGill, Chris Thile, Gabriel Kahane, Olga Kern, Michelle Cann, Lara Downes, and Geneva Lewis.
An active educator, Chen serves as the Orchestra Director at Batten University and Symphony Conductor of The Governor’s School for the Arts. His educational work reflects a steadfast belief in music’s ability to inspire, connect, and build community across generations.
Chen earned his Master of Music in conducting at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, among the final cohort of Victor Yampolsky’s distinguished teaching career. Prior to his time in Chicago, Chen earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying cello and conducting at Carnegie Mellon University. He began his musical studies in Taiwan at a young age, where he studied piano at the age of three, before growing up in Philadelphia studying cello with Hai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Outside of the concert hall, Chen continues to pursue other artistic and collaborative outlets as an accomplished photographer, with recent work featured in The New York Times and Europa Star magazine.
ABOUT
Alexander Chen is a Taiwanese-American conductor and cellist recognized for his dynamic artistry, inventive programming, and deep commitment to education and community engagement. Known for crafting compelling programs that weave together traditional masterworks with non-traditional repertoire, Chen has a particular passion for uncovering underrated gems and presenting them in fresh, meaningful contexts.
Chen currently serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Augusta Symphony working closely with Music Director Dirk Meyer. He is also a regular presence at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where he maintains a close relationship as both guest conductor and cover, assisting Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta, and Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins.
In 2026, Chen was appointed Music Director of the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore. Other career highlights include conducting South Carolina Philharmonic, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sinfonietta Dresden and collaborations with Anthony McGill, Demarre McGill, Chris Thile, Gabriel Kahane, Olga Kern, Michelle Cann, Lara Downes, and Geneva Lewis.
An active educator, Chen serves as the Orchestra Director at Batten University and Symphony Conductor of The Governor’s School for the Arts. His educational work reflects a steadfast belief in music’s ability to inspire, connect, and build community across generations.
Chen earned his Master of Music in conducting at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, among the final cohort of Victor Yampolsky’s distinguished teaching career. Prior to his time in Chicago, Chen earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying cello and conducting at Carnegie Mellon University. He began his musical studies in Taiwan at a young age, where he studied piano at the age of three, before growing up in Philadelphia studying cello with Hai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Outside of the concert hall, Chen continues to pursue other artistic and collaborative outlets as an accomplished photographer, with recent work featured in The New York Times and Europa Star magazine.
Alexander Chen is a Taiwanese-American conductor and cellist recognized for his dynamic artistry, inventive programming, and deep commitment to education and community engagement. Known for crafting compelling programs that weave together traditional masterworks with non-traditional repertoire, Chen has a particular passion for uncovering underrated gems and presenting them in fresh, meaningful contexts.
Chen currently serves as the Assistant Conductor of the Augusta Symphony working closely with Music Director Dirk Meyer. He is also a regular presence at the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where he maintains a close relationship as both guest conductor and cover, assisting Music Director Eric Jacobsen, Music Director Laureate JoAnn Falletta, and Principal Guest Conductor Thomas Wilkins.
In 2026, Chen was appointed Music Director of the Orchestra of the Eastern Shore. Other career highlights include conducting South Carolina Philharmonic, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, and Sinfonietta Dresden and collaborations with Anthony McGill, Demarre McGill, Chris Thile, Gabriel Kahane, Olga Kern, Michelle Cann, Lara Downes, and Geneva Lewis.
An active educator, Chen serves as the Orchestra Director at Batten University and Symphony Conductor of The Governor’s School for the Arts. His educational work reflects a steadfast belief in music’s ability to inspire, connect, and build community across generations.
Chen earned his Master of Music in conducting at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, among the final cohort of Victor Yampolsky’s distinguished teaching career. Prior to his time in Chicago, Chen earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree studying cello and conducting at Carnegie Mellon University. He began his musical studies in Taiwan at a young age, where he studied piano at the age of three, before growing up in Philadelphia studying cello with Hai-Ye Ni, principal cellist of the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Outside of the concert hall, Chen continues to pursue other artistic and collaborative outlets as an accomplished photographer, with recent work featured in The New York Times and Europa Star magazine.