Jack Chen
NSYO General ManagerJack is ecstatic about joining the Symphony team, and working with the youth musicians of the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra! As a flutist, Jack has shared the stage with such diverse artists as Bobby McFerrin, Amy Grant, and Sir James Galway. He has appeared in numerous PBS specials and toured with several EMI artists. With a tremendous love for chamber music, Jack performs regularly with Conundrum Duo and Fifth Wind, a Halifax-based woodwind quintet.
In addition to performing, Jack is an instructor at Acadia University, and is the Artistic Director of Inner Space Concerts.
Q&A WITH JACK
Do you have any other jobs/volunteer jobs?
In addition to my role as General Manager of Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra, I teach flute at Acadia University and am the Artistic Director of Inner Space Concerts.
Can you tell us a humorous anecdote about your experience with Symphony Nova Scotia?
The time I borrowed a set of crash cymbals, dressed up as a Crash Dummy, and competed in the Halloween costume contest at the Symphony show! It was the only time I got to play the crash cymbals on the Cohn stage!
Why did you start playing your instrument?
I heard an incredible flutist playing Chinese flutes when I was 7, and fell in love with the flute. Before I knew it, I was heading to my very first flute lesson!
What are your outside interests?
Cycling, kayaking, canoeing, skiing, skating, camping, hiking.
What’s a fact that nobody would know about you?
English is my second language, and I make a killer latté.
What are you reading right now?
Blood in the Water by my good friend Silver Donald Cameron
A Worm in the Apple by my opa-in-law, Sigurd Askevold
Lord of Formosa by Joyce Bergvelt
A Promised Land by Barack Obama
What are you listening to right now?
Meaghan Smith’s new album Throw Back, Paganini’s 24 caprices by Augustin Hadelich.