'The piano chose me'
Four years ago, Jie Chen made her debut at an international piano competition and impressed the judges so much that they decided not to give out a second prize.
That was the 10th Missouri Southern International Piano Competition, the prestigious event also won by fellow mainland piano prodigy Yundi Li a few years earlier.
And Chen, 22, has not looked back since.
The classical pianist has won top honours at many international competitions and performed around the world.
Chen started playing the piano at the age of four. 'I think it's more like the piano chose me rather than I chose to learn it,' she says.
'There was a piano in my kindergarten. I often climbed up on the chair and played the songs the teacher taught us. That's when the teacher noticed something special between me and the piano.'
At eight, Chen joined the Shanghai Conservatory and, four years later, she moved to the United States where she studied at the Curtis Institute of Music with respected pianists, Claude Frank and Seymour Lipkin.
'That period was certainly a very big challenge for me,' recalls Chen.
'I was the youngest at school. Besides facing language and lifestyle barriers, I had to take on a lot of responsibility and solve problems by myself because my mother couldn't speak English.
'But now I actually appreciate the hardship I went through because it provided me with useful experience and made me a stronger person.'
The acclaimed pianist admits that she felt pressure when she was suddenly exposed to the best music students from around the world. But she turned that pressure into positive energy and became more determined to succeed.
'It's very inspirational to be around talented people,' says Chen.
Chen had her most memorable experience at the Kimmel Centre in the United States, where she made her concert debut at 16.
She played Rachmaninov's Second Piano Concerto with maestro Wolfgang Sawalisch and the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Asked about her formula for success, Chen says she never takes any opportunity for granted and always put in her best effort at every concert.
'Even as a kid, I didn't really like to count the number of hours I spent practising the piano. I always felt that practice schedules should be flexible,' says Chen.
'For example, if I have to learn a new piece in a very short time, or if I have some concerts coming up, then I work for many hours. But if I have just finished a tour, a competition, or during a break, I take it easy.'
There were times when Chen had to deal with disappointment and failure.
'I'm very grateful that I had wonderful emotional support from my friends and family. They helped me get over those difficult times and pursue my dream,' she says.
Chen will release a CD of classical Chinese music arranged by contemporary Chinese composers next month.
She will perform at the Sheung Wan Civic Centre Theatre on December 12 at 8pm.
