A fearless performer with seemingly limitless imagination and possessed with uncanny energy, pianist Han Chen plays scores old and new with rare rigor and insight.
Gold Medalist at the 2013 China International Piano Competition and prizewinner at the 2018 Honens International Piano Competition, Han Chen has earned international acclaim as one of today's most commanding interpreters of both contemporary and classical repertoire. His wide-ranging discography on Naxos encompasses Franz Liszt, Anton Rubinstein, Thomas Adès, and György Ligeti's Complete Piano Études, among others. His 2025 recording of Florence Price's Piano Concerto—nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY® Award in Best Classical Instrumental Solo—reflects his ongoing commitment to expanding the recognized repertoire.
Recognized by The New Yorker as a notable recording artist of 2023 and praised by Gramophone as "impressively commanding and authoritative," Mr. Chen has been celebrated by critics for delivering "some of the finest pianism" in recent memory. The New York Times has highlighted his "graceful touch," "rhythmic precision" and "hypnotic charm."
Latest Recording
PRICE, F.B.: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 and 2 / Piano Concerto / Dances in the Canebrakes
Han Chen's recording of Florence Price's Piano Concerto, nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY® Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category, has earned international acclaim and recognition from the Recording Academy. Performed with conductor John Jeter and the Malmö Opera Orchestra, this landmark recording brings Price's groundbreaking Piano Concerto in One Movement to global audiences, celebrating the legacy of the first African American woman composer to have her symphony performed by a major American orchestra.
View 2026 GRAMMY® Nominations →
Critical Acclaim
"The performance here by Han Chen is fully up to the demands of the piece…dynamic and virtuosic, yet also warm and expressive. Although only 7 1/2 minutes, the first 'movement' is a broad, dramatic, very concentrated statement, which the pianist conveys with grandeur and conviction."— American Record Guide
"Heart-on-sleeve playing from soloist Han Chen captures the music's irresistible spirit."— BBC Music Magazine
Latest Events
Exponential Ensemble: Origins
Americas Society
New York, United States
Paul Schoenfield - Trio Reena Esmail - Tasveer Robert Paterson - Summit Trio Lowell Liebermann - Trio for clarinet, viola, and piano
Ensemble Échappé at American Academy of Arts and Letters
American Academy of Arts and Letters
New York, United States
Aruan Ortiz - Piedras de Ida y Vuelta Shawn Okpebholo - Take It Easy Shawn Okpebholo - Redlin(ing) Elizabeth Ogonek - Lightenings
Concerto Appearance with Lansing Symphony Orchestra
Wharton Center for Performing Arts
Lansing, United States
Jared Miller - Shattered Night for Piano and Orchestra
Recital and Masterclass at SMU
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, United States
Stravinsky - 4 Études Op. 7 Ligeti - 6 Études, Book 1 Antheil - Airplane Sonata Stravinsky - 3 Movements from Petrushka
Recital at The Phillips Collection
The Phillips Collection
Washington DC, United States
Varèse - Density 21.5 Antheil - Sonata for Flute and Piano Boulez - Sonatine for Flute and Piano -intermission- Stravinsky - 4 Études Op. 7 Ligeti - 3 Études from Book 1 Antheil - Airplane Sonata Stravinsky - 3 Movements from Petrushka
Recital at Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green, United States
Varèse - Density 21.5 Antheil - Sonata for Flute and Piano Boulez - Sonatine for Flute and Piano
Latest Updates
Han Chen Receives GRAMMY® Nomination for Florence Price Piano Concerto Recording
Pianist Han Chen's recording of Florence Price's Piano Concerto with conductor John Jeter and the Malmö Opera Orchestra has been nominated for a GRAMMY® Award in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category, marking a historic moment for both the artist and the legacy of composer Florence Price.
Read More
Han Chen's Florence Price Piano Concerto Recording Submitted for GRAMMY® Consideration in Best Classical Instrumental Solo Category
Pianist Han Chen's critically acclaimed recording of Florence Price's Piano Concerto with conductor John Jeter and the Malmö Opera Orchestra has been submitted for GRAMMY® consideration in the Best Classical Instrumental Solo category, highlighting both artistic excellence and the historical significance of Price's groundbreaking work.
Read MoreTélérama: “Concertos pour violon n°ˢ 1 et 2”, de Florence Price, dirigé par John Jeter
"Le Concerto pour piano, avec son irrésistible juba dance imprégnée de ragtime, ressuscite ensuite sous les doigts agiles du Taïwanais Han Chen."
Read MoreResMusica: Les concertos de Florence Price, une autre voix de l’Amérique
"Le piano de Han Chen déploie en effet de grandes et belles mélodies toujours d'un romantisme assumé."
Read MorePiano Street Magazine: Bringing Florence Price Back to Life: An Inside Look with Pianist Han Chen
Pianist Han Chen discusses reviving Florence Price’s Piano Concerto, exploring her fusion of African American and classical traditions, and reflecting on the personal and historical significance of her rediscovered work.
Read More
Han Chen invited to be voting member of Recording Academy 2025 New Member Class
Pianist Han Chen has been invited to join the Recording Academy as a voting member of the 2025 New Member Class, recognizing his contributions to classical music recording and contemporary repertoire.
Read MoreLatest Videos
Florence Price
Fantasie Nègre No. 1 in E minor
Franz Liszt
Impromptu
Jared Miller
Prelude
Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier"
György Ligeti
Études No. 13. L'escalier du diable (The Devil's Staircase)
Ludwig van Beethoven
Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Op. 110
Fantasie Nègre No. 1 in E minor
Impromptu
Prelude
Piano Sonata No. 29 in B-flat major, Op. 106 "Hammerklavier"
Études No. 13. L'escalier du diable (The Devil's Staircase)