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NEW YORK
MUSIC AWARD 2026
Yu-Cen (Yuri) Jian
Taiwan· New York Music Award 2026 Season 2 Winner
Born in 2012 in the 'Windy City' of Zhubei, Taiwan, Yu-Cen (Yuri) Jian’s musical journey began at Hsing Lung Primary School, where she was deeply moved by the enchanting sounds of the recorder ensemble. Since joining the team, she has consistently achieved "Superior" honors in national competitions. A significant milestone in her early journey was winning the 1st place of Summa Ensembles at the 15th Summa Cum Laude International Youth Music Festival in Vienna in 2023.
Now a student at Cheng Gong Junior High School, Yu-Cen balances a rigorous academic schedule with her passion for music. For her, the recorder is more than an instrument; its warm, resonant tones provide a sense of spiritual tranquility and mental stability amidst the pressures of school life. As a member of the Hsin-Chu Recorder Orchestra (HCRO), she has performed at Taiwan’s three major national concert halls. A highlight of her journey was performing "The Romantic Poetics of Recorder Symphony" at the National Concert Hall in Taipei in 2026—an experience she cherishes as a profound honor.
Participating in the New York Music Award marks a beautiful new chapter in her musical odyssey. As she prepares for her upcoming high school entrance examinations, she continues to let music guide her growth and inspire her soul.
Message on Receiving the Award
"It is a tremendous honor to receive this recognition. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my dear teacher, Dr. Meng-Heng Chen, who always treats me with the warmth of a family member. Her guidance in interpreting the delicate, vivid phrasing and emotional depth of the movements has been invaluable. This naturally inspired my performance, and that passion led me to dedicate significant effort to the articulation and tonal quality of this piece. Being able to share the unique, healing resonance of the recorder through the New York Music Award has been a truly joyful and rewarding experience."
