Chen Qian

Mr. Chen Qian, professor of composition at Sichuan Conservatory of Music, vice director of wind band committee of Beijing Musician’s Association, former composer of PLA Band. Mr. Chen is also known as a judge of wind competition worldwide. Qian earned his bachelor degree in composition from Sichuan Conservatory of Music in 1985, studied under Professor Huang Huwei. Qian was born into a musical family, he started playing violin and piano at the age of 4.

Throughout his career, Qian has composed 5 symphonies for the wind ensemble, and numerous works for wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, movies and electronic music. His works have been described as “the perfect combination of Chinese folk music and modern composing technique”, and most of his works have been published and performed at various venues around the world. Timothy Salzman (Director of Concert Band in Washington University School of Music) described him as the top 20 composers in the world, quote from “A Composer’s Insight”.

Qian released his first album “Fissure” in 1991, published by Hugo Recording, which has been described as “the mile stone in the Chinese wind history” by Anguo Wang - the Chinese music historian. His symphony No.1 “Life” has been performed at the closing ceremony of International Wind Festival in Switzerland, Tim Reynish, the well-known British conductor and the chairman of the international wind music association described the piece as “the most amazing and powerful original music that I have ever heard in these years”.

In recent years, Qian has not only contributed to the professional composition but also dedicated to wind music education and promotion. He has composed and arranged numerous works that benefit the beginning bands and school bands. Qian has also engaged in the student band conducting and training as well, many of his students won the top prizes in the wind competition, both in China and around the world.