YU CHEN (Joy)
Yu Chen, also known as Joy, is a UK-based guzheng artist dedicated to exploring the relationship between Chinese musical heritage and contemporary artistic expression.
With over 25 years of experience in guzheng performance, Joy began her musical training at an early age and has developed a deep understanding of traditional Chinese instrumental music. Based in Cambridge, she has built an active performance profile in the UK through concerts, cultural programmes and collaborations with artists from different disciplines.
Her work presents the guzheng not only as a traditional instrument, but as a living artistic voice that connects audiences across cultures. Alongside performance, Joy also creates original music and develops interdisciplinary projects that explore new ways of sharing Chinese musical traditions within international contexts.
“Joy is a young musician with exceptional professionalism. She not only pursues excellence in performance standards, but also builds bridges for exchanges between different cultures through music, has carried out remarkably meaningful practices for the international dissemination of traditional Chinese music and the guzheng, and actively explores artistic dialogues between traditional Chinese music and Western classical music. ”
—————— Dr Ewan Campbell
Awards & Recognition
Over the years, Joy has received recognition for her guzheng performance through national and international competitions and artistic awards. These honours reflect her dedication to both the technical discipline of traditional Chinese music and her own expressive approach to 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)
Selected Performer – Central Conservatory of Music · Grand Showcase (2025)
First Prize – Beijing Traditional Music Festival, Guzheng Category (2024)
Music Award – Churchill College, University of Cambridge (2023)
First Prize – Shanghai International Music Festival (2022)
Performances
Joy has performed across Cambridge colleges, UK cultural events and international cultural programmes, presenting the guzheng in a variety of concert settings. Her performances explore the depth of traditional Chinese music while creating connections with contemporary audiences through solo recitals, ensemble collaborations and cultural exchange events.
Trinity Hall Recital
UK Chinese Women Connection Award Ceremony
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.
