Chen Woo

Pianist

Renowned collaborative pianist Chen Woo is celebrated for her artistry as the exclusive accompanist of violinist Haik Kazazyan. A protégé of the late maestro William Yannuzzi, former Music Director of the Baltimore Opera, she has distinguished herself as a versatile and sought-after pianist both in the United States and internationally. Chen began her piano studies at the age of seven under the guidance of her mother and later trained with Wang Wei, Chung Huiling, and Liao Huiqing. After completing six years in the music program at Hsiao-Ming Girls’ High School, she entered the Department of Music at Soochow University, majoring in piano under Professors Wang Runting and Wang Bobby. She went on to earn her master’s degree in Collaborative Piano from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying with Professor Tim Bach.

Since moving to the U.S., Chen has been an active presence in the Bay Area music scene. She has served as accompanist for the world premiere of composer Zong Jiang’s opera The Peacock Princess, the final rehearsal of Yellow River Cantata (praised by conductor Yan Liangkun of the Central Symphony Orchestra as the “specialist of Yellow River”), and numerous recitals and celebrations, including soprano Rao Lan’s solo concert and chamber and choral performances marking Hong Kong’s return to China.

Since 1999, she has been a principal accompanist for the California Opera Association and the Opera Institute of California, founded by internationally renowned mezzo-soprano Edna Garabedian. She has performed in more than 20 operas and collaborated with many distinguished artists, including Haik Kazazyan, Huang Bin, Xue Suli, Chen Zeyan, Lin Richard, Edna Garabedian, Sun Yu, Li Ao, and Shi Yijie. She has also been featured as accompanist in master classes, notably for violinist Midori.

International invitations have taken her to major stages, including the Memorial Concert for Dr. Quan Xiangyao in Guangzhou (2004), the China International Vocal Master Class in Zhejiang Province (2005), and a production of Carmen with the Zhejiang Song & Dance Theatre (2006). In 2018, she joined the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra on their U.S. West Coast tour.

In addition, Chen is the designated accompanist for the USIMC and USOMC international competitions and is frequently invited to accompany leading vocalists and instrumentalists in recitals and competitions throughout the Bay Area.