Catherine Chen was born and raised in Burnaby, BC, Canada. She is currently completing the second year of her BMus degree at the University of British Columbia, majoring in viola performance and studying with Professor David Harding
She first started playing the viola at the age of sixteen, although, she had previously played violin for 8 years, studying with Ling-Hui Chuang for both instruments.
Notable musical experiences include being a member of the Vancouver Youth Symphony Orchestra for seven years, and participating in summer programs such as the National Youth Orchestra of Canada, Toronto Summer Music Festival, and the North American Viola Institute.
In this past year, she has had the privilege of playing in the Vancouver Metropolitan Orchestra, as well as being principal viola of the UBC Symphony Orchestra, and performing in the final round of the 2012 UBC Concerto Competition. In addition to practicing classical viola, she also enjoys playing piano and percussion, and jamming on her electric viola.