Dr. Neilson Chen

Dr. Neilson Chen, a native of Taiwan, is a highly sought-after recitalist and collaborative pianist, whose thoughtful interpretations and dazzling technique have been described by the L.A. Times as “stunning.” The recipient of Master’s degrees from Taiwan and the University of Texas at Austin and a Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University, Neilson has studied under such esteemed teachers as Anne Epperson, Dr. Andrew Campbell, and Constance Lee. 

Currently, Dr. Chen is a staff pianist in the Music department at Mississippi State University as well as a Collaborative Pianist in Residence at Meadowmount School of Music. Before joining MSU, he has been served as a staff pianist at Whitman College, Bard College-Conservatory of Music, and a Collaborative Pianist at The Orchestra Now (TŌN). 

Over the course of his career, Neilson has been the recipient of many prestigious honors and awards, including winning the inaugural Duo Competition at Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara in 2019. Performing extensively throughout the United States and internationally, he has concertized in Germany, Luxembourg, France, Ireland, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. Honored to have performed in renowned venues, Neilson appeared at the National Concert Hall in Taiwan in conjunction with the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and was the pianist for Bard College’s performances at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. In 2009, he was honored to be invited as the keyboardist for the musical Lion King Asia tours. As a staff pianist for summer music festivals, worldwide appearances have included the Kathaumixw Choir Festival in Canada, Saarburg International Music Festival in Germany, the Vianden Music Festival and School in Luxembourg, and Rocky Ridge Music Center in Colorado. Recent collaborations with prestigious artists include Joshua Bell, Milena Pajaro-van de Stadt, Luosha Fang, Janet Sung, Raman Ramakrishnan and members of the Juilliard String Quartet.

Besides these accomplishments, Dr. Chen is highly active in his community and passionate about promoting new works by a new generation of composers. Committed to fostering the talent of younger musicians, Neilson is esteemed by many musicians as a colleague and a mentor.