Guildhall questions: Sa Chen answers

Born in Chongqing, China, Sa Chen came to prominence in 1996 when she was selected for the final of the Leeds International Piano Competition aged only 16. She came to Guildhall to study with Professor Joan Havill, and has gone on to perform with prestigious orchestras around the world.

Sa Chen returns to Guildhall to perform classic Debussy works as part of the Guildhall Alumni Recital Series on Wednesday 14 November, and leads Guildhall pianists in a masterclass on 15 November.

Can you tell us a little about the repertoire you’ll be performing?

I toured and recorded the complete Debussy Préludes last year and this year marks the centenary of his death. I thought it would be appropriate to bring his unmissable Études and two books of Images to this concert. These pieces let us appreciate his color palettes and his revolutionary ideas.

What are you most looking forward to about coming back to Guildhall to perform in Milton Court?

It’s a great recital venue. I enjoy the acoustics there and I'm looking forward to welcoming audiences (and some of my loved ones) to the concert. It should be an intimate and enjoyable concert, and just over the road from the Guildhall building where I studied.

You’ll also be giving a masterclass while you’re here in London - what are you looking forward to about working with Guildhall musicians?

Sharing ideas, discovering something new at same time. I find this type of healthy and active energy  very motivating.

As a Guildhall alumna, what are your most enduring memories of life at the School?

Hard to choose one memory. Memory is like a film – you see coffee time behind the building, practice rooms in the early morning or very late evening, giggling with Joan Havill after intensive hours of working together. Also there used to be (and maybe still is) the most impressive blast of wind at the corner turning left to Sundial Court!

Who have been some of your biggest inspirations in your career?

Parents, teachers, composers. Other artists are also always inspiring.

What do you enjoy most about performing?

It's an unpredictable journey. One sees no end.

What are your passions outside of performing?

I am really into design, but my passion will always be in everything natural – grass, forests, mountains, I love them so dearly.

If you had one piece of advice for young musicians today, what would it be?

Find what makes you happy and enjoy being yourself. There are many ways to explore and to get to where you want to go. Life is full of surprises – at least it should be!

Sa Chen's Alumni Recital takes places on Wednesday 14 November in the Milton Court Concert Hall. Tickets are available via Barbican Box Office. Book your tickets now.