Noteworthy
Meet Stella Chen, Violinist
Year of the Snake: A Lunar New Year Celebration
Sat, Feb 8, 2025Gramophone’s 2023 Young Artist of the Year, Stella Chen, has captivated audiences worldwide with her extraordinary musicianship and vibrant performances. First-prize winner of the 2019 Queen Elisabeth International Violin Competition and recipient of the 2020 Avery Fisher Career Grant, Stella has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, from Carnegie Hall to the Berliner Philharmonie.
Now, in her highly anticipated Toronto Symphony Orchestra début, Stella will perform The Butterfly Lovers Concerto as part of the TSO’s Lunar New Year celebrations. We caught up with Stella to discuss her Lunar New Year memories, her love for this iconic piece, and how music brings people together.
Noteworthy: What does Lunar New Year mean to you? Can you share a special memory or tradition from your family’s Lunar New Year celebrations?
Stella Chen: When I was growing up, Lunar New Year was always a time for my family to come together. Even the workaholics would make the effort to put away their computers and enjoy a big meal with loved ones. After the feasting and indulging, to my dismay, the evening would often end with a request for the kids to perform—whether it was music, dance, or other talents. In recent years, we’ve started a new tradition: I perform somewhere, and my family comes and makes a vacation out of it. The last two years we’ve been together in New York and Baltimore, and this year we are thrilled to be together in Toronto. I must admit, I much prefer this order—performing first, then indulging in the food and festivities! It’s become a special opportunity to share my music while bringing my family together. Now they’re able to take time off work to hear me play, which wasn’t always the case when I was growing up! It’s heartwarming that my career allows us to unite and celebrate in different parts of the world.
NW: Are there any specific customs or foods you look forward to during the holiday?
SC: I always look forward to eating rice cakes and noodles. Noodles symbolize long life, and there’s something fun about trying to slurp them without breaking them—a small token of good luck. Rice cakes are another favourite of mine. They’re said to bring wealth and abundance, though, really, we just enjoy the excuse to indulge in some delicious carbs. Another tradition is the giving of red envelopes filled with money. In my family, this always sparks a little tug-of-war—my grandma insists on giving them, and the grandkids insist it’s not necessary. It’s a fun, warm-hearted exchange that captures the spirit of the holiday.
NW: What are some meaningful ways that people of all backgrounds can celebrate Lunar New Year? Are there any traditions, foods, or activities you’d recommend to someone celebrating for the first time?
SC: One of the most enjoyable traditions is wrapping dumplings. It’s a great group activity, and you can really put anything inside a dumpling wrapper—it’s all about the dipping sauce! The joy comes from spending quality time with family or friends. In my experience, there’s no “wrong” way to celebrate. The focus is on togetherness, and whether you’re sharing a meal or making dumplings, the holiday is about building memories and celebrating life’s blessings.
NW: Can you share your thoughts on The Butterfly Lovers Concerto and why it resonates with you? Why are you excited to share this piece of music with Toronto?
SC: This concert marks my début with the TSO, and I’m absolutely thrilled to make music together with such a fantastic group of musicians. I also have a few friends in the orchestra, which makes the experience even more special and fun. It’s always a privilege to perform with people you know and admire.
The Butterfly Lovers Concerto holds a special place in my heart. My parents were immigrants who came to the US to study, and they prioritized giving their children opportunities they never had themselves—whether it was music, sports, or dance lessons. Though my parents didn’t grow up with classical music in the house, they provided me with the opportunity to learn, and my love for the violin developed naturally. I remember my mom asking me to learn and play The Butterfly Lovers Concerto once I was good enough to produce a decent sound. The piece became something we could share, bridging the gap between generations. It evokes such an emotional response from listeners, including my parents’ friends. And for me, it’s more than just a beautiful piece of music—it’s a common language that transcends words. I’m excited to bring this piece to Toronto, where I know it will resonate with audiences as well.
NW: What do you hope audiences will take away from this concert?
SC: I hope the audience leaves with a strong sense of joy and community. Lunar New Year is a time for celebration, and I’m confident that the concert will bring together a wonderful mix of culture, music, and energy. It’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and share something meaningful, regardless of background, and I hope that spirit of fun and unity stays with them long after the performance ends.
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See Stella Chen live on stage at Year of the Snake: A Lunar New Year Celebration. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music, culture, and tradition. Learn more about the TSO’s Lunar New Year celebrations.