Nathan Chan
“Rather than just hearing how a piece of music begins and ends, Chan wants to communicate to audience(s) every step it takes to climb the musical mountain.”
Nathan Chan's multifaceted career exemplifies his dedication to exploring the diverse dimensions of the cello, sharing his musical vision across solo, chamber music, and orchestral realms. His unwavering belief in music's power to bridge gaps and create connections drives him to engage audiences and foster a sense of community through his artistry. Embracing technology and social media, Nathan has managed to invite others into the world of classical music, encouraging camaraderie among musicians and patrons alike.
Photo: Kenneth Edwards
Named a local Forbes 30 Under 30 for Seattle, Nathan has harnessed the power of technology and social media to draw new audiences to classical music. With over 35 million views across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, he has made a significant impact on the online classical community. His efforts, such as the "Nathan Chan Chats for Change" campaign during the COVID pandemic, demonstrate his commitment to using music as an instrument for positive change. Additionally, Nathan released his first NFT, collaborating with AI Artist Lia Coleman, combining classical music with machine learning art.
Throughout his career, Nathan has collaborated with esteemed musicians and institutions, constantly pushing the boundaries of cello repertoire and performance. He has performed as a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Albany Symphony, Reno Philharmonic, and Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra, working with distinguished conductors like Leonard Slatkin, James Gaffigan, Donato Cabrera, Alexander Prior, Alasdair Neale, and Laura Jackson, among others. Chan was a chosen artist for Fondation Louis Vuitton's Classe d'Excellence du Violoncelle with renowned cellist Gautier Capuçon. Nathan's 2023-2024 season includes a performance of Tan Dun’s Cello Concerto with the Olympia Symphony as well as Gulda’s Cello Concerto with the Lake Washington Symphony Orchestra, and a solo tour with Night of the Proms in Germany and his Belgian debut.
“Chan revealed both a profound technical gift and an expressive directness that many a better-known virtuoso could only envy. His string tone is rich and dark-hued, his intonation is fearlessly precise, and his mastery of musical narrative unfolds with unerring clarity.”
Photo: Kenneth Edwards
Nathan's musical journey began at a tender age with conducting imitations using a chopstick as a baton, emulating the styles of legendary conductors like Seiji Ozawa, Herbert von Karajan, and Leonard Bernstein. He caught the attention of San Francisco Opera Assistant Conductor Sara Jobin and made his debut as a conductor at age three. Under the guidance of renowned cellists Irene Sharp, Sieun Lin, and Richard Aaron at The Juilliard School, Nathan honed his craft, leading him to perform on prestigious stages around the world.
Born into a family with a deep appreciation for music, Nathan received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia University before pursuing his Masters of Music at The Juilliard School, where he studied with esteemed cellist Richard Aaron. He has participated in several renowned music festivals, such as Marlboro Music Festival, Taos Music Festival, and Caramoor's Evnin Rising Stars, performing with musicians Mitsuko Uchida, Anthony McGill, Joseph Lin, and Nobuko Imai. He currently serves as the Assistant Principal Cello of the Seattle Symphony, captivating audiences with his artistry.
To follow Nathan Chan's ongoing musical journey and his endeavors to connect people through music, visit him online at nathanchan.com.