Biography
Rapidly developing a reputation as one of the most innovative pianists of his generation, Julian Chan has given performances at a number of prestigious venues across the UK, including Wigmore Hall, Southbank Centre, St John’s Smith Square, and the Sheldonian Theatre. Performing music by a particularly diverse range of composers, he has given alluring recitals featuring works by figures from Sweelinck to Messiaen, from Alkan to Rzewski, unifying these various styles in a captivating
manner.
Julian has had masterclasses with numerous pianists of international renown, including Stephen Hough, Imogen Cooper, Jeremy Menuhin, Melvyn Tan, Bobby Chen, and Joanna MacGregor; distinguished conductors with whom he has performed, both as a soloist and as part of the acclaimed Manson Ensemble, include Jessica Cottis, Ryan Wigglesworth, Ben Glassberg, Jonathan Berman, and
John Gibbons.
A passionate composer and performer of new music, Julian has collaborated with eminent composers such as Howard Skempton, Anna Thorvaldsdottir, Hans Abrahamsen, Deborah Pritchard, Michael Berkeley, and Peter Seabourne. Recently, Julian was awarded First Prize and Sonata Prize at the Nanyang International Music Competition, Singapore, Second Prize at the Jāzeps Vītols International Piano Competition, Latvia, First Prize at the Norah Sande Award, and First Prize at the Coulsdon and Purley Festival with his performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3.
Julian is currently recipient of the Ronald and Rita McAulay Award at the Royal Academy of Music, where he studies with Ian Fountain and Michael Dussek. He had his first book of compositions published at age 6, earning him the title of Malaysia’s Youngest Composer.
