I was deeply honored to be interviewed by the legendary pianist and educator Bao Hui-qiao (鲍蕙荞) in August 2024 for the May 2025 issue of Piano Artistry Magazine. This conversation with one of China's most respected musical figures was both inspiring and reflective, covering my artistic development since winning the 2013 China International Piano Competition.
Han Chen featured in Piano Artistry Magazine interview with Bao Hui-qiao
About Bao Hui-qiao
Bao Hui-qiao is one of China's most distinguished pianists and educators, serving as Chairman of the China International Piano Competition from 2007-2013. A graduate of the Central Conservatory of Music, she has performed in over 30 countries and has been instrumental in nurturing young Chinese pianists on the international stage. Her interview series "Bao Hui-qiao Listens to Colleagues" has featured over 100 pianists worldwide, including Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, and Li Yundi.
Key Highlights from Our Conversation
Recording Journey with Naxos We discussed my ongoing collaboration with Naxos Records, which began after winning the China International Piano Competition. At the time of our interview, I had released four albums with plans for two more. Since then, I'm thrilled to share that my Florence Price Piano Concerto recording was released in June 2025, and I'm currently working on Anton Rubinstein's Piano Sonatas No. 3 and 4.
"Music of Migration" Interview Series I shared details about my digital interview series "Music of Migration" (《迁徙之乐》), where I interviewed ten contemporary composers who immigrated to the United States, including Chinese composers Lei Liang and Huang Ruo. This project emerged during the pandemic as a way to connect with fellow artists and explore themes of cultural identity through music.
Ligeti Études Project We explored my complete recording of György Ligeti's Études, which was recognized by The New Yorker as one of the notable classical recordings of 2023. I discussed the technical and interpretive challenges of this repertoire and how I approached finding the "sources" of Ligeti's compositional techniques in Romantic-era works.
Contemporary Music Advocacy Bao Hui-qiao and I discussed the importance of young pianists creating their own artistic paths through contemporary repertoire. I emphasized how performing new works allows artists to establish unique identities rather than competing in oversaturated traditional repertoire.
Academic Pursuits I shared my doctoral studies at the City University of New York, where I work with both my former Juilliard teacher Anton Kaplinsky and contemporary music specialist Ursula Oppens. My dissertation focuses on British composer Thomas Adès, whose work first captivated me during my studies at Shanghai Conservatory.
Personal Reflections
This interview was particularly meaningful as it connected my current artistic endeavors with my roots in Chinese musical culture. Bao Hui-qiao's mentorship of young Chinese pianists has been invaluable to our musical community, and her continued interest in our artistic development is deeply touching.
The conversation also highlighted how the China International Piano Competition served as a crucial launching pad for my international career. The competition's partnership with Naxos Records provided opportunities that continue to shape my artistic trajectory over a decade later.
Looking Forward
As discussed in the interview, I remain committed to balancing traditional classical repertoire with contemporary works, particularly pieces by immigrant composers whose stories resonate with themes of cultural identity and artistic expression. Since our conversation, I had the privilege of performing Lei Liang's 20-minute work "Book of Time" on February 28, 2025, which was a deeply moving experience that further solidified my commitment to contemporary music.
I'm grateful to Piano Artistry Magazine and Bao Hui-qiao for this opportunity to reflect on my artistic journey and share my passion for contemporary classical music with readers across China and beyond.