Violinist Tony Baizhen Chen is one of CSO’s Young Soloists in 2025, our programme that gives aspiring young musicians the chance to feature as a guest soloist with CSO! He will take the stage at CSO & Rova Present: A Night at the Proms on Saturday 18 October.

A 13-year-old music scholar at St Andrew’s College, Tony practices both violin and piano. He began his musical journey at age five under pianist Neville Baird and later studied with Michael Endres before taking up the violin at age seven under CSO Associate Principal Second Violin Milana Kornienko. Tony earned ABRSM Distinctions in Grade 8 Violin and Piano, and music scholarships from St Andrew’s College, The Cathedral Grammar School, and Medbury School.

A standout performer, Tony has held leadership roles as Co-Concertmaster (2024) and Principal Violin II (2023) in The Lions Christchurch Schools’ Music Festival. He was also selected as part of CSO’s Virtuosi Programme in 2023 and has performed with the Christchurch Camerata at the Town Hall’s 2024 Christmas Concert. He made his solo debut with CSO at our 2021 Christmas concert.

Tony’s competitive achievements include First Place in the NZ Music Competition, the Double Reed Society Award, and the Adjudicator’s Award at the NZ Chamber Contest, alongside top honours in the Christchurch Music Competition across piano and violin categories. He has also received the Kennedy Cup for Most Promising Player and the Dodgshun Trophy for Best Performance.

Tony aspires to practice globally while refining his craft under world-class mentorship.

We’re excited to share the stage with Tony soon!

Book tickets to CSO & Rova Present: A Night at the Proms here.