Singapore International Music Competition

Chen Qu (Finland/China)

Artistic Director,
World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA) Finland

Executive Director,
Singapore International Music Competition

Chen Qu stands as an esteemed Finnish-Chinese classical pianist and music educator. Currently serving as the Executive Director of the Singapore International Music Competition, Artistic Director of the World Piano Teachers Association (WPTA) Finland, and contributing to the boards of the International Artist Association Finland and the International Performing Arts and Cultural Organisation Singapore, Chen is a multifaceted leader in the musical arts and education field.

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.

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, minoring in Chamber Music, and Singing. Her teachers include renowned Finnish pianists Teppo Koivisto, Juhani Lagerspetz. She has also completed the specialised 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 Musician Association,
Chen’s international recognition includes accolades such as the 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 a Silver Prize at the Asia International Piano Competition in Korea. Her achievements extend to winning the First Prize at The North International Music Competition in Stockholm, Sweden, and being awarded the 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, 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.