Taiwanese flutist KaiChen Cheng enjoys a diverse career as a soloist, chamber musician, and educator. She has performed across Asia, the United States, and Canada in renowned venues, including Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall, the United Nations, Taiwan National Concert Hall, and the China National Centre for the Performing Arts. She has appeared with the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, Counterpoint Chamber Orchestra, Pro Arte Orchestra, and the New York Wind Orchestra. A finalist in the 2023 American Prize, Ms. Cheng has received accolades in competitions such as the North International Competition and the National Taiwan Music Competition.

A dedicated teacher, Ms. Cheng has served on the faculty of Taiwan National Taitung University and coached chamber ensembles at Stony Brook University, where she is also the Outreach Artist at the Staller Center for the Arts. She previously held the position of Music Director for the 17th LISMA International Music Competition. Additionally, she was invited to adjudicate in the 17th LISMA International Music Competition and 2024 Mid-Atlantic Flute Convention Collegiate Soloist Competition. Ms. Cheng is currently a faculty member at Long Island Conservatory, Musik Colab, and SHEMA Youth Orchestra.

In the summer of 2023, Ms. Cheng co-founded Project 23.6°N, a piano trio dedicated to sharing the essence of Taiwanese culture and music. Her summer festival appearances include Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, Round Top Festival Institute, and Lake George Music Festival.

Ms. Cheng earned a Bachelor’s degree from the Taipei National University of the Arts, a Master’s degree from Indiana University, and recently completed her Doctor of Musical Arts at Stony Brook University under the mentorship of Carol Wincenc.

When not playing the flute, KaiChen enjoys traveling, hiking, cooking, and building LEGO.

February 2025

Photo credit: Calvin Hu