Ray Chen chats about Stradivarius violin, being a first gen immigrant, and Curtis Institute of Music

International violin virtuoso Ray Chen is redefining the role of today’s classical soloist. Using social media, Ray aims to educate, enlighten, and entertain his audience before they get to the concert hall. He credits his grit and determination to his experience of being a first-generation immigrant and likens playing his ten-million-dollar Stradivarius violin to wielding Thor’s hammer.
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Photograph of Ray Chen by John Mac
The Speaking Soundly theme song is composed by Joseph Saba/Stewart Winter and used by permission of Videohelper.
Speaking Soundly was co-created by David Krauss and Jessica Handelman.
This interview has been edited and condensed to fit the time format.
Episode copyright © 2022 Artful Narratives Media.

[@MariaRamos-jm8bf]

Excellent violinist, RAY CHEN, he represents the new generations. I like all his interpretations, for me he is the best at the moment

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

He's quite amazing! Thanks for listening! Hope you'll catch more of our interviews!

[@lucienazario2786]

What a really wonderful interview!!! So much has been said.... so much revelation of what's in
your heart and in your mind. Knowing what you went through at such a young age, I would say, "Hats off to you, Ray!!!"

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

Thanks for listening! Hope you'll listen to more episodes!

[@shonen84]

Great interview and talk! I have always admired Ray, saw him in music competitions and at concerts, and enjoy his collabs with Twoset and content online. Plus Tonic is genuinely cool!

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

So glad you enjoyed. Hope you'll listen to more episodes!

[@DA-er2fr]

Wow! This is a very good interview! Thank you very much for preparing these insightful questions.

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

Thanks so much for listening! We hope you will listen to more!

[@colleenmurphy7812]

Love this chat with Ray Chen, thank you.

[@baldwinangel1218]

As an amateur singer I noticed when I have a spiritual shift my voice becomes warmer and freer. Absolutely worth doing the work of self reflection and ego management. Life just flows easier and that shows up in my voice. Ray is spot on here.❤

[@yinmooiliew1960]

Good to see a rising star in violin playing. Such a beautiful musical instrument.

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

Thanks so much for listening. Hope you'll check out some more episodes on our page. If you're a violin fan, be sure to catch our interviews with Midori, James Ehnes, and David Chan

[@brucebenson5908]

I hope your channel grows. You're doing important work and doing it well.

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

Thanks so much for listening and your enthusiasm. Keep listening and spreading the word. Thanks!

[@meowmi1130]

Great interview

[@oxoelfoxo]

nice interview. didn't know about Ray having to travel to lessons as a kid

[@artfulnarrativesmedia]

Thanks for listening! Hope you'll dig into more episodes!