Denver Phil cello principal with 20+ years of performing experience

Yi Chien L.

Born in Taiwan, Yi-Chien is currently serving as the principal cellist of The Denver Philharmonic and The Symphony of the Rockies. She is a dedicated music instructor with a Master’s degree in Cello Performance from the University of Texas at Austin, passionate about sharing her love for music with aspiring learners. With more than 20 years of experience playing the cello in various orchestras both nationally and internationally, she also brings her unique teaching approach to the community.

​

She has had the privilege of working with several renowned instructors, including Bion Tsang, Raphael Bell, Peter Seidenberg, Peter Opie, and Jonathan Spitz. One of her notable performances was at the Taiwan National Concert Hall alongside Haik Kazazyan, who placed third in the International Tchaikovsky Violin Competition.

​

As a soloist, Yi-Chien has received several prizes in Cello Performance. In 2015, she earned third place in the Taipei City Competition of Music, competing among many talented musicians. Her solo engagements have included performing Edward Elgar's Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 with a local orchestra in Hualien in 2014, and presenting Prokofiev’s Sinfonia-Concertante, Op. 125 during her recital at Soochow University in 2017, which received high praise from both teachers and audience members. Most recently, she completed her second solo recital at the Butler School of Music at UT Austin in May 2021 and has since established her own studio.