Robert Chen joined the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in 1999 as concertmaster, sharing the duties of that position with concertmaster Samuel Magad. Robert came to Chicago from Philadelphia, where he had been a member of its orchestra since 1997. He has appeared with prominent orchestras and ensembles worldwide and has been a featured soloist with the Bournemouth Symphony, New Japan Philharmonic, Buffalo Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony orchestra, Stockton Symphony, and Aspen Chamber Symphony, among others. His recent concert activities include a tour of the Far East with the Moscow Philharmonic and a tour of Russia and China with the Taipei City Symphony. During the summer of 1996, Robert toured Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Philippines with Sergiu Comissiona and the Asian Youth Orchestra. Engagements the following season included his Paris recital debut at the Théatre du Chatelet and appearances as soloist with the Southwest German Philharmonic in Constance, Germany, the Essen Philharmonic, and the orchestra of Berlin's Komische Oper. Robert is a frequent guest at major music festivals including the Marlboro Music Festival, Aspen Music Festival, La Jolla Summerfest, and the Schloss-Moritzburg Festival in Dresden, where he has ollaborated with Emanuel Ax and Richard Goode. He also has toured extensively with Musicians from Marlboro. Born in Taipei, Robert received both bachelor's and master's degrees in music at the Juilliard School. His principal teachers include Dorothy DeLay, Masao Kawasawki, and Robert Lipsett. He began his performance career following an appearance with the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the age of twelve. He has been a winner of many competitions, including top prize at the 1994 Hanover International Violin Competition and awards at the Taipei International Violin Competition (1988), Aspen Music Festival Concerto Competition (1986), Coleman Chamber Ensemble competition (1985), and National Young Musicians Foundation Debut Competition (1984). He has recorded works by Tchaikovsky with the NDR Orchestra for the Berlin Classics label. An avid chamber musician, Robert is a founding member of the Johannes Quartet. He is "an appreciator of fine wines and good food."