An internationally renowned conductor known for her energetic podium presence, adventurous programming, and commitment to expanding the symphonic repertoire, Mei-Ann Chen has appeared with orchestras across North America, Europe, and Asia, working with ensembles of widely varying traditions and institutional cultures.
She is Music Director of the Chicago Sinfonietta, where she has been a central artistic force, shaping programs that combine core repertoire with contemporary and underrepresented voices. Her work there has emphasized both musical excellence and audience engagement, positioning the orchestra as a model for mission-driven symphonic leadership.
She also serves the equivalent position in Austria, as Chief Conductor of Recreation – Grosses Orchester Graz at Styriarte (the first female Asian conductor to hold this position with an Austrian orchestra), and is the first-ever Artistic Partner of Houston’s ROCO, and Artistic Partner with Northwest Sinfonietta (WA).
In addition to her work in Chicago, Chen maintains an active international guest-conducting career and is regularly invited to lead major orchestras and festivals. She is also deeply involved in musical training and mentorship, serving on the conducting faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music, suggest instead: working with Carnegie’s esteemed NYO2 for young musicians (age 14-17), New England Conservatory (her alma mater), and Manhattan School of Music, among others, where she works closely with the next generation of conductors and orchestral musicians.
Chen’s career reflects a balance between interpretive rigor, institutional leadership, and a forward-looking view of the orchestral field, grounded in a belief that symphonic music remains a vital and evolving art form.
William Ford recently interviewed Chen in advance of her appearance as guest conductor with the Macon-Mercer Symphony Orchestra at The Grand Opera House in Macon, Georgia, on February 23, 2026. Their conversation has been carefully reconstructed in the Q&A below, edited for clarity, flow, readability and length.
William Ford: Where are you based right now?
Mei-Ann Chen: Chicago is my home base, though I’m on the road most of the year. I work regularly with about six orchestras and guest conduct with roughly twenty to twenty-five ensembles annually, so I’m constantly moving. But Chicago is where I reset.
For the complete interview, go here: https://www.earrelevant.net/2026/02/finding-a-voice-on-the-podium-a-conversation-with-conductor-mei-ann-chen/
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