Kevin Chen, 15, is a sophomore at Mira Costa High School (MCHS), Manhattan Beach, California. Kevin is currently the principal violinist in the MCHS Symphony Orchestra and Associate concertmaster of Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra (PVRSO). Kevin began his violin studies under the tutelage of Mr. Elmer Su at age nine, and had his orchestra solo debut with the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra at age twelve. Kevin is the recipient of numerous awards ranging from regional to international competitions. In 2016, Kevin placed first at the CAPMT (California Association of Professional Music Teachers) State Final Concerto Competition and first at the Strings Concerto at Lansum International Music Festival. He was also the third-place winner of the 2016 VOCE (Vocal, Orchestra, Chamber, and Ensemble) State Final Solo Competition. Other awards in 2016 include winner of the MTAC Artist of the Future Concerto Competition, first place at Manhattan Beach Rotary Club Solo Competition, first place at MTAC Scholarship Audition, first place at ASTA (American String Teacher Association) regional solo competition, and Grand Prize winner in the Young Violinist Competition at Southwestern Youth Music Festival (SYMF). In May 2016, Kevin performed at the Isaac Stern Auditorium in Carnegie Hall as a member of the MCHS Orchestra. Kevin was also invited to perform as a featured guest artist for the LA Philharmonic Affiliated 90th Anniversary Spring Celebration at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Kevin has had solo performances with Palos Verdes Regional Symphony Orchestra, Bellflower Symphony Orchestra, Beach Cities Symphony Orchestra and the Festival Orchestra at SYMF.
