Frédéric Chopin wrote his first piano concerto ever in 1830. It was premiered that same year, and published after his next concerto, hence it came to be known as the Piano Concerto no. 2, in F minor, even though it was the first to be composed. Written before Chopin finished his formal education, the piece betrays a certain sophistication in terms of formal development. It features an extremely dominant piano part, with the orchestra leaving all responsibility for musical development to the soloist, thus ignoring the interplay that is the mainstay of an instrumental concerto. 

Piano sextet version. 

Live from the National Concert Hall in Dublin, Ireland.

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www.archiechen.com
Piano: Hamburg Steinway D
Piano Technician: Paul Wade
Recording Engineer: Darby Carroll

Frederic Chopin Piano Concerto no. 2 in F minor, op. 21 - II. Larghetto

Archie Chen is a dynamic leader and accomplished musician with a multifaceted career that spans performance, education, and arts administration. As the current Executive Director of Holy Names Music Center (HNMC) in Spokane, Washington, Archie has demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and a commitment to community engagement. Under his guidance, HNMC, a not-for-profit community music school, has flourished, providing high-quality music instruction and related programs to children and adults. Archie's role at HNMC involves fiscal and administrative management, fostering positive relationships both internally and within the Spokane community, and overseeing program development, marketing, and public relations activities.

In his position at HNMC, Archie provides energetic and creative servant leadership to the Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff. He is responsible for developing the annual budget, implementing development and marketing plans to meet fundraising and enrollment goals, and overseeing the Music Center's physical plant. Archie's ability to work with diverse populations and his working knowledge of board relationships and functions have been instrumental in his success. He actively engages the board, staff, and faculty in long-range organizational planning, ensuring the Music Center's mission and vision are achieved.

Archie is committed to building a resilient business model with sustainable financial results. He collaborates closely with the development team, board, and staff to identify donor prospects, cultivate their interest, and increase donor engagement and financial support. His strategic vision includes considering the need for capital and endowment campaigns and leading their implementation as determined by the board. Archie's oversight of the marketing team's pricing, promotion, and packaging opportunities has uplifted the visibility of HNMC, its programs, and its venue.

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Archie's musical journey is equally impressive. Described by the Irish Times as a pianist with "daring velocity" and a "fiery temperament," he has graced prestigious stages worldwide, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Gewandhaus, Vatican Auditorium, Benaroya Hall, and the National Concert Hall in Dublin. His performances have captivated audiences across the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with renowned artists and performed with notable orchestras such as the Spokane Symphony and the RTE Concert Orchestra. His recordings on Sony Classical and Carnegie Artists Records have solidified his place among the leading pianists of his generation.

Archie's dedication to music education is evident in his comprehensive online education program, which offers courses in Piano Pedagogy, Piano Literature, Historically Informed Performance, and Entrepreneurship for Musicians. His mentorship has guided students to win top prizes in international piano competitions and gain admission to leading universities and conservatories worldwide. Archie has served on the faculty of the Royal Irish Academy of Music and TU Dublin Conservatory of Music, and he is the Founder & Artistic Director of the Dublin International Piano Festival & Summer Academy.

In his role at HNMC, Archie is deeply committed to strategic vision and board governance. He provides leadership and direction to the board, Artistic Director, and staff to amplify existing artistic programs, diversify program opportunities, and set a vibrant strategic direction for the organization. Archie's engagement with the community focuses on building relationships, long-range goals, and a vision for HNMC that is embraced by multiple stakeholders. He supports the board in identifying, cultivating, and recruiting new board members while leveraging the deeply committed involvement of existing board members and considering long-term succession planning. Archie's support for board committees empowers staff to function in a collaborative and unified work environment, enhancing and building a deep culture of collaboration, communication, and transparency.

Archie Chen's leadership, artistic vision, and dedication to community engagement make him a valuable asset to any organization. His ability to inspire and connect with diverse audiences, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, positions him to lead with confidence and achieve significant impact. Archie's comprehensive experience in fiscal management, fundraising, and strategic planning ensures the long-term viability and success of the organizations he leads, making a profound difference in the communities they serve.

Frederic Chopin Piano Concerto no. 2 in F minor, op. 21 - II. Larghetto

Archie Chen Pianist