Leo Nguyen

Leo Nguyen is a Melbourne-based classical pianist who quit a commerce degree to study music and Japanese. He always hopes to bring a unique and exhilarating performance to his listeners. He plays a wide range of repertoire, enjoying discovering gems by lesser-known composers, while at heart remaining a romantic, with a not-so-secret penchant for Chopin.

After completing a Bachelor of Arts/Music at Monash University, he went on to study Honours in Music at the University of Melbourne. Throughout his time at university, Leo has studied with renowned pianists including Tamara Smolyar, Hoang Pham, Jerry Wong and Len Vorster. More recently, he spent two years at the Australian National Academy of Music (ANAM) under the tutelage of Timothy Young.

Recently, Leo performed Beethoven’s ‘Emperor’ Concerto as a soloist with the South Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and played Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Percy Grainger Wind Symphony. He has also performed on 3MBS’ The Talent. During his time at university he won Monash University’s Anna Chmiel Memorial Prize, gained third prize in the Enkor International Music Competition and placed as a finalist in USCI Piano Festival and Competition.

MARCUS CHEN

Marcus Chen is a Melbourne-based cellist. He recently completed an honours year in Music Performance after completing a double degree in Music and Science at Monash University. During his tertiary studies he was taught by Blair Harris, Molly Kadarauch, Svetlana Bogosavljevic and Roseanne Hunt, and received the Vice-Chancellor’s Concertmaster/Orchestra Scholarship at Monash University.

Marcus recently performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto with the Monash Academy Orchestra, after winning Monash University’s Concerto and Aria Competition. He has also performed with Australian artists including Deborah Cheetham, Claire Edwardes and Anna McMichael, and been part of various ensembles including Shanghai City Orchestra and Melbourne University Baroque Ensemble. Marcus has also had the opportunity to play for international artists such as Jean-Guihen Queyras, Louise Hopkins, and the Kronos Quartet.

Marcus has a particular affection for the works of Bach, Tchaikovsky and Brahms, although he is always seeking to expand his musical horizons.