Alina Chen

Alina Chen began learning the flute when she was 9 years old and is currently under the tutelage of Dr. Luca Manghi and Melanie Lançon. She was recently awarded a generous scholarship from the Juilliard School to commence her undergraduate degree there in the studio of Grammy-nominated flautist Carol Wincenc, starting this August.

After being invited to perform in the ABRSM High Scorer’s Concert in 2016 and 2017, Alina achieved ABRSM Grade 8 on the flute and piano by the age of 12 with distinction. In the same year, she made her concerto debut with the APPA Festival Orchestra in the Auckland Town Hall. Since then, she has appeared as a soloist with the NZSO as a part of their 2023 Young Artists Showcase.

Performing regionally and internationally, Alina was invited to perform in the 2020 Winner’s Recital of the American Protégé International Competition in Carnegie Hall, New York, after winning the First Prize. In 2022, she also won First Prize in the 23rd Valsesia Musica International Competition in her age category. In New Zealand, Alina has won the Under 18 Prize, Outstanding Performance Prize, and First Prize in AYO’s annual Soloist Competition. Last year, Alina’s woodwind quartet was awarded the Helen Young National Second Place Award in the NZCT Chamber Music Contest.

Outside of music, Alina likes to read and make jewellery.