Inside Shen Yun: A Violist on Humility, Faith, and Finding Her Voice

In this interview, Shen Yun principal violist Rachel Chen shares her journey from early musical training to performing with Shen Yun Performing Arts, and how perseverance, humility, and faith have shaped her path.

Rachel reflects on overcoming physical challenges as a young musician, learning to move beyond self-doubt, and discovering how true expression in music comes not from technique alone, but from sincerity and inner growth.

She also speaks about what makes Shen Yun’s orchestra unique—blending Eastern and Western musical traditions—and how her faith influences the way she approaches both music and life.

00:00 – Meet Rachel Chen, Principal Violist
00:19 – Overcoming Challenges and Self-Doubt
00:45 – Finding Emotion in Performance
01:32 – What Music Reveals About Us
01:53 – Musical Inspirations and Influences
01:55 – How Faith Shapes Her Music
02:38 – What Sets Shen Yun Apart
02:54 – The Unique Sound of Shen Yun's Orchestra
03:38 – What Inspired her to Join Shen Yun
03:54 – A Piece That Resonates Deeply
04:11 – Who the Show Is For
04:32 – Advice to Her Younger Self
Shen Yun Performing Arts presents colorful and exhilarating performances of classical Chinese dance and music. A performance by Shen Yun is a presentation of traditional Chinese culture as it once was: a study in grace, wisdom, and the virtues distilled from the five millennia of Chinese civilization.

Experience China Before Communism. Visit our website: https://www.shenyun.org


#ShenYun #ClassicalChineseDance