Sunday’s Lincoln Hall audience for ARCA’s 2025 Dr. Arthur D Steffee pianist – young genius composer and arranger SEAN CHEN – was filled with older adults, young parents, children AND students from elementary school to college. They were dazzled by his elegant and thrilling virtuosity in four Chopin Ballades connected by Sean’s improvisations and two Medtner Fairy Tales.
And they were clearly moved by Sean’s emotionally sensitive poetry in three Liszt “Petrarch Sonnets” that brought a young boy in the front row to tears throughout. When asked about it afterwards, he said, “It was just so beautiful.” With perfect pitch and a beautiful singing voice, this was his first classical piano concert.
Before the second half, Executive Director John Soroka reminded the audience that ARCA’s late founder and president, Arthur Steffee, would remark when asked to comment during a profound concert, that nowhere in the world on this day could one hear a more beautiful concert – to which a seasoned classical concert-goer spoke out saying, “It doesn’t get any better!”
Sean’s program commentary was warm, real and humorous – as he assured the audience that all responses to classical music were appropriate – including having a little nap – and that it was okay not liking some music until you had heard it a seventh time. The audience was charmed.
At the end of the concert the entire audience leapt to its feet wildly cheering after Sean closed his program with Paul Dukas’ “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”, made famous by Mickey Mouse and Disney’s Fantasia. As a composer and violinist who played in orchestras in his youth, Sean has transcribed for piano profound orchestral compositions, from Ravel’s “La Valse” to the Finale of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony and Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to “Candide”.
A father of two young children already playing instruments, after his children continued to ask him for “Mickey” – Sean knew he had to transcribe “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice”.
His audience of all ages LOVED his tour de force performance of his transcription of this iconic work that bridges worlds… “It’s a Small World After All”.
Capturing the magic is this reel from Facebook with more photos of the audience and Sean.
Following the concert, Sean engaged with audience members who stayed for a Q & A session.
Sean responded to questions about when he began playing, his training, how he chose The Juilliard School over Harvard, how he prepared for competitions, how he learned music, and more.
Offering advice to a college musician applying to grad school to taking pictures with the audience, his generosity of spirit, humble genius and exquisite artistry calmed the hectic heartbeat of the world and offered hope and encouragement for one’s place in it.
Thank you, Sean – and thanks to all the parents who brought their children and young students to experience his inspiration. We hope to see you again soon!
Thanks also to David W. Diffenderfer for his two brilliant close-up photos.
