Chen Qu is an esteemed Finnish-Chinese classical pianist, music educator, and arts entrepreneur. She currently serves as Executive Director of the Singapore International Music Competition (SIMC), Artistic Director of the World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA) Finland, and contributes to the boards of the International Artist Association Finland and the International Performing Arts and Cultural Organisation Singapore. Chen is recognized as a multifaceted leader in musical arts, education, and international cultural exchange. She is also recognized as an Honorary Steinway Teacher.

With a distinguished background encompassing performance, music pedagogy, and arts entrepreneurship, Chen has been instrumental in providing invaluable opportunities for talented young pianists worldwide to showcase their artistry on prominent global stages. She regularly gives masterclasses in Singapore and Europe, serves as a jury member for international competitions, with her students achieving top prizes in international competitions.

Chen’s classical music educational journey is marked by excellence. Prior to going to Finland, she completed the Diploma in Music Performance from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts, University of the Arts Singapore. Thereafter, she graduated with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Music from the Sibelius Academy, University of the Arts Helsinki, majoring in Classical Piano Performance and Piano Pedagogy, and minoring in Chamber Music and Singing. Her teachers include renowned Finnish pianists Teppo Koivisto and Juhani Lagerspetz. She has also completed the specialized teacher’s pedagogical qualification in Finland.

Having earned the highest-graded exam piano certifications from prestigious institutions such as Shanghai Conservatory, China Conservatory, and the Chinese Musicians Association, Chen’s international recognition includes accolades such as Second Prize at the 3rd Irmler International Competition in Dalian, China, Third Prize in the senior section of the 7th International Piano Competition in Milan, Italy, and Silver Prize at the Asia International Piano Competition in Korea. Her achievements extend to First Prize at The North International Music Competition in Stockholm, Sweden, and Third Prize at the International Grand Music Competition in Moscow, Russia. She is also a recipient of scholarships from the Sibelius Academy Foundation and Taiteen Edistämiskeskus grants.

In addition to her roles in academia and artistic direction, Chen is an avid performer, renowned for her mastery of both classical repertoire and Chinese folk music. Since 2015, she has graced major venues across Helsinki and Europe, captivating audiences with her virtuosic performances and emotive interpretations.

In 2023, Chen ventured into the realm of entrepreneurship, founding Bravori, an EdTech startup that seamlessly merges technology and music education. This initiative aims to revolutionize music practice through a unique app designed to enhance student practice and provide teachers with insights into their students’ progress, fostering more efficient and personalized instruction. The digital application, stemming from the UniArts Hub Helsinki, has garnered support and recognition from various international programs in Finland and the UK.