Monica Chen

A native of Vancouver, Chen is one of the conducting fellows at the Orchestre Métropolitain, assisting Yannick Nézet-Séguin since the 2021/22 season. She was one of three finalists at Domaine Forget chosen to perform in concert with the Orchestre Symphonique de Québec two years in a row. She is currently closely associated with Tapestry Opera, frequently working with orchestras across Canada.

Recent conducting engagements include working with Opera Kelowna, Orchestre Symphonique de Québec and the Orchestre Métropolitain. She has participated in festivals including the Eastman School of Music, Domaine Forget International Summer Academy, the UBC Chamber Music Festival, and the University of Oregon Conducting Institute, working closely with maestros Jonathan Girard, Neil Varon, Thomas Rösner, and the late Bramwell Tovey.

She holds two Masters, one in Orchestral Conducting from UBC, studying with Dr. Jonathan Girard and the other in violin performance from Indiana University, studying with Mimi Zweig.

In April, Chen has announced as one of two Year 3 additions to the Women in Musical Leadership program, one of the world’s largest initiatives for women and non-binary conductors. Chen and fellow conductor Kelly Lin join four existing members of the program which includes former WSO assistant conductor Naomi Woo.