Recorder Rising Star Jian Yu-Cen Shares Her Inspiring Musical Journey

Jian Yu-Cen was awarded the Platinum Prize in the Talent (Age 10–13) Category at the 2025 2nd Quarter European Classical Music Awards.

Could you tell us a bit about yourself, your music training journey, and your goals for the future in music?

I am a lively person who enjoys making friends. Ever since I attended my primary school’s entrance ceremony and first heard the recorder ensemble perform, I was deeply moved. I have been studying the recorder since first grade, which makes it six years now. My goals for the future in music: To become a professional recorder performer.

Could you tell us more about your award-winning recorder performance? For instance, how did you prepare for it, bring it to life, or are there any interesting behind-the-scenes stories you’d like to share?

I practice diligently every day. At first, it felt quite challenging, but as I spent more time with the piece, I gradually became captivated by the subtle yet rich musical imagination within La Bernebea. What began as something unfamiliar has grown into a close and harmonious relationship, allowing me to express the music’s vitality, technicality, and strong emotions. Through this process, I have matured from a somewhat reserved age into a more lively and passionate performer.

What did a typical day of practice look like for you, and how did your family support your passion? How do you manage your time between training and schoolwork?

Regarding time management, besides my regular school curriculum, I always finish my school assignments first after class, then schedule 1-2 hours of recorder practice daily. My family is very supportive and encourages me to participate in various competitions. The most impressive experience for me was the International Competition of Taiwan Recorder Festival 2024, where junior and senior high school students competed together. Not only did I enjoy performing on stage, but I also had the opportunity to watch many outstanding musicians, which was truly inspiring and rewarding.

Would you like to share your experience participating in our competition and anyone you'd like to thank?

I would like to sincerely thank my teacher, Dr. Chen Meng-Heng (see her profiles on Bach Cantatas and the Recorder Institute of Hong Kong), for her patience and kindness. She arranged multiple rehearsals for me and shared the background and story behind my pieces. I am also grateful to my father, who supports me in participating in competitions like this, enabling me to experience the mysterious notes and unique charm of many great performers.

Biography

The gentle breeze of my hometown, Zhubei, a charming small city located in Taiwan, nurtured my growth. Each year, from August to September, the winds grow stronger as the rains become scarce, earning this place the name "City of Wind" due to the famous northeastern wind, Jioujiang Feng.

It was on the day before I started elementary school that I was captivated by the sound of music emanating from the auditorium. The unique timbre of the recorder deeply moved me, marking my first encounter with Dr. Chen Meng-Heng. She’s my most beloved teacher who guided me into the imaginative world of music. I soon joined the school’s recorder ensemble, progressing from basic levels (I => II => III), advanced team, preparatory team, and was admitted to the competition team. This experience opened my ears to the intricate layers and richness that music offers.

Throughout the years, I participated in numerous competitions, fortunate enough to be awarded multiple honors, as listed below. One of the most memorable moments was when my teacher shared the story behind the Spanish Overture, Op. 137. I was enthralled by the narrative and have since dreamed of one day performing this classic ensemble piece in Spain.

I also aspire to perform in the Gala Concert at the renowned Musikverein in Vienna, hoping to one day showcase my music on that prestigious stage.

Recorder, Solo Experiences

• 2023 Taiwan Music Competition, Taichung – Fifth Prize, Good Award

  Ernst Krähmer, Introduction et Variations Op. 29

• 2024 Cheer Taiwan International Music Competition – Third Prize, Gold Award

  Gordon Jacob (1895–1984), Sonatina, Mov. 1 Allegro & Mov. 4 Allegro Vivace

• 2024 Nordhorn Recorder Festival – Gold Award

  Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741), Sonata IV in A Major, Mov. 1 Preludio, Largo & Mov. 2 Allegro ma non presto

• 2024 Taiwan Recorder Music Festival – Gold Award

  Giovanni Antonio Pandolfi Mealli (1624–1687), Sonata Op. 4 No. 1 La Bernabea

• 2025 Cheer Taiwan International Music Competition – Second Prize, Superior Award

  York Bowen (1884-1961), Sonata Op.121 Mov. 3 Allegro giocoso

  
  

Recorder, Ensemble Experiences

• 2021 National Student Competition of Music – First Prize, Superior Award

  Glen Shannon, Mountain Mosaic

• 2022 National Student Competition of Music – First Prize, Superior Award

  Béla Kéler (1820–1882), Spanische Lustspiel-Ouvertüre, Op. 137

• 2023 National Student Competition of Music – First Prize, Superior Award

  Stephen Watkins (1982), Eduardo e Caramella

• 2023 15th Suma Cum Laude, Vienna (Summa Ensemble) – First Prize, Outstanding Success

• 2023 15th Suma Cum Laude, Vienna, Gala Winners’ Concert – Water Falling from Sky

• 2024 Cheer Taiwan International Music Competition (Quartet) – First Prize, Superior Award

  Hans Ulrich Steaps (1909–1998), Flöten Suite

• 2024 Nordhorn Recorder Festival (Quartet) – First Prize, Gold Award

  Hans Ulrich Steaps (1909–1998), Flöten Suite

• 2024 Taiwan Recorder Music Festival (Sextet) – Gold Award

  Peter Warlock (1894–1930), Capriol Suite

• 2024 National Student Competition of Music – First Prize, Superior Award

  Sören Sieg (1966), Mathongo Amnandi

• 2025 Cheer Taiwan International Music Competition (Quintet) – Second Prize, Gold Award

  Raphael Benjamin Meyer (1987), The Swing Thing

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