Cello
Assistant Principal Cello
A member of the Seattle Symphony since 2017, Assistant Principal Cello Nathan Chan exemplifies his dedication to exploring the diverse dimensions of the cello with a multifaceted career, 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.
Named a local Forbes 30 Under 30 for Seattle, Chan 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, Chan released his first NFT, collaborating with AI Artist Lia Coleman to combine classical music with machine learning art.
Throughout his career, Chan 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. Recent highlights include a performance of Anna Clyne’s DANCE with the Auburn Symphony, Gulda’s Cello Concerto with both the Cascade and Olympia symphony orchestras, and the world premiere of Karen P. Thomas’ The World is Charged with Seattle ProMusica.
Born into a family with a deep appreciation for music, Chan’s musical journey began at a tender age with him using a chopstick as a baton and 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 3. Under the guidance of renowned cellists Irene Sharp, Sieun Lin and Richard Aaron, Chan honed his craft, leading him to perform on prestigious stages around the world.
Chan received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Columbia University and then pursued his Master of Music at The Juilliard School, where he was a student of the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange.
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.
To follow Nathan Chan's ongoing musical journey and his endeavors to connect people through music, visit him online at nathanchan.com.
