YU CHEN (Joy)
Yu Chen, also known as Joy, is a UK-based guzheng performer whose work brings traditional Chinese music into dialogue with contemporary international audiences.
Having trained from an early age and built a strong foundation in classical Chinese instrumental performance, she has since developed an active performance profile in the UK through concerts, cultural events, and international showcases.
Her artistic practice is defined by technical precision, musical sensitivity, and a clear commitment to advancing the guzheng as a distinctive voice within today’s global cultural landscape.
Awards & Recognition
International awards recognising artistic excellence, technical mastery, and expressive interpretation in guzheng performance
Selected Awards
Distinctive Interpretation Award - New York Music Award (2026)
Gold Prize - New York Music Award (Instrumental Category, 2026)
Platinum Prize - World Artistry Music Award (National Music Category, 2026)
First Prize – UK International Music Competition (Professional Category, 2026)
Unique Personality Special Prize - World Artistry Music Award (2026)
Special Prize – UK International Music Competition (Poetic Interpretation, 2026)
First Prize – UK International Music Competition (National Music Category, 2025)
First Prize – Macao Guzheng Competition (2024)
Music Award – Churchill College, University of Cambridge (2023)
First Prize – Shanghai International Music Festival, Traditional Chinese Music Competition (2022)
First Prize – Beijing Traditional Music Festival, Guzheng Category (2021)
Performances
Selected performances spanning concert stages and cultural contexts, exploring the expressive possibilities of the guzheng in both traditional and contemporary settings.
2026 Annual Concert
Echoes of China
Cambridge Chinese Music & Culture Festival
Queen's College May Ball
Cambridge Dragon Boat Festival
2026 Cambridge Chinese Music & Culture Festival
London Chinese Folk Music
Yaji Cultural Salon
Upcoming Events
Join us for a series of upcoming guzheng and Chinese folk music performances, bringing the elegance of traditional Chinese music to audiences in the UK.
Chinese Music live performance
London
Chinese Folk music showcase
London
Trinity May Ball
Cambridge
Cambridge
Dragon boat festival