'sensitive and poetic, ....courageous engagement with the music and a natural communication with her audience." - Chris Elton, Head of Keyboard at Royal Academy of Music
Educational background
Graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London with 'Distinctions' in her recitals, Veronica is much appreciated by her sensitive, creative and emotionally engagements. While reading Art History and Architecture History at Edinburgh University, Veronica won various piano competitions including the 1st prize and contemporary music award at the International Students' Piano Competition in Holland, where she performed Grieg's Piano concerto in Vredenberg in the final and received a standing ovation. Veronica studied with Professor Patsy Toh and Joanna Macgregor at RAM, with Peter Evans in Edinburgh, and with Professor Irina Zaritskaya and Janusz Piotrowicz privately. As a result of her musical achievements, Veronica was named one of the 'Best Youth Overseas' by the Taiwanese Government.
'She is not a pianist, but a musician! For she does not play the piano, but plays the music and emotion." -1st Prize comments by Chairman of the Jury at the 3rd International Students Piano Competition
Performances
Veronica performs extensively both in England and in continental Europe, as well as in Asia and North America. She has given recitals at venues like Chopin's Residence and the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh; Conway Hall in London; Teatro Creta in Milan; and Vredenburg in Holland. She has also performed at many Festivals, including the Rome National Festival (at Teatro Marcello and Villa Tolornia), the Salzburg Festival, as well as the Edinburgh Festival (Reid Concert Hall) with critical acclaim. Veronica has collaborated with pre-eminent performers like guitarist Xue-Fei Yang and baritone John Morgan from the Royal Opera, Richard Rittelmaan from Lyon Opera House; performed as a soloist with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra's concert tour in Taiwan.
'Janacek sonata was searching, profound and utterly authentic...' . Michael Timulety, music critic of the Herald
Theatrical Concerts
Her great interests in the arts has led Veronica to start a creative group named Piano Theatre. By collaborating with dancers, poets and visual artists, Piano Theatre has given several highly acclaimed concerts, including a sold-out concert tour in Taiwan in 2007 which was filmed and broadcast by the Public TV. In 2010 to celebrate Chopin's 200 anniversary of Birth, Veronica and dancer Ruby Chan created a Dance Concert called 'Chopin's Music Box'.This fairy-tale was based on Chopin's music and was very well received. Veronica Yen and Ruby Chan's Creative works 'Camille' and 'Purple Poem' were acclaimed by A. Glauert (RAM chair of postgraduate studies) and composer Ronald Stevenson.
' most exciting aesthetic fruit of creativity! ' A. Glauer, Chair of Postgraduate Studies RAM
Publications
Veronica's composition Alina's Song, was published by Studio Music in London 2008. The same year published music picture book A Twinkling Journey in Taiwan .
Veronica also released 2 CDs by Jingo Record in Taiwan:
European Fantasy featuring half of her compositions, as top 4 on the classical chart and remained in the chart for several months.
Piano Poems from the Mediterranean Solo CD album. Nominated by 2010 Golden Melody Award and Muzik Magazine 'Album of the year'.
'With conviction, authority and not a trace of self-consciousness...' - The Herald, Edinburgh Fringe Recital Review
