OBSERVER: Ray Chen, violinist


Violinist and online personality Ray Chen redefines what it means to be a classical musician, with his viral reels and YouTube videos captivating millions of people around the world. His content highlights music’s ability to inspire joy, connection and healing in humans and animals.
Joined by Julio Elizalde on piano, the virtuosic violinist will perform a recital at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on September 8. Tickets are selling fast via artscentremelbourne.com.au
Ray’s new Australian tour follows a huge 2024, with the release of his album Player 1 and the growth of Tonic, the artist’s independent startup that is building a global community via a free platform for musicians and learners to practice their craft together.
Born in Taiwan and raised in Brisbane, Ray Chen has performed with the foremost orchestras and concert halls around the world, as well as at major media events such as France’s Bastille Day (live to 800,000 people), the Nobel Prize Concert in Stockholm (telecast across Europe), and the BBC Proms.
His profile has grown to see him feature in the Forbes list of 30 most influential Asians under 30, secure a multi-year partnership with Giorgio Armani, appear in major streaming series Mozart in the Jungle and in Vogue magazine. Ray is also a music consultant for Riot Games, the leading esports company best known for League of Legends.
Produced in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ray’s album Player 1 reveals the links between classical music and gaming.
Australian audiences will see Ray perform pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Camille Saint-Saens, Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Bazzini, Antoni Dvorak and Chick Corea.
www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold