Artist Spotlight | Gloria Chien

In celebration of Cedille’s new album release, Here With You, we are proud to feature pianist Gloria Chien in our Artist Spotlight series. Gloria leads a diverse musical life as a noted performer, concert presenter, and educator. She is also an active artistic and music director for several orchestras and ensembles across the country including: String Theory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Music@Menlo at the Curtis Music Institute, and Chamber Music Northwest in Portland, Oregon — demonstrating her passion for musical collaboration.

On her first album with Cedille, Gloria joins New York Philharmonic principal clarinetist and Chicago native Anthony McGill to celebrate their musical partnership. Here With You features works that the two artists are most passionate about, including Romantic masterworks by Brahms and Weber and the world premiere of the clarinet and piano version Jessie Montgomery’s timely, pandemic-born Peace. It’s a project that embodies, in the artists’ words, a “shared expression of beauty and friendship.”

Read below for Gloria’s personal insights to this new album with clarinetist Anthony McGill.

Here With You was recorded at a time when music and human connection was needed most. It is an affirmation of humanity in the form of musical friendships that inspired Brahms, Weber, and Montgomery to compose for their muses even during a time of despair (Montgomery); and in the case of Brahms, after he had decided never to write again.

Brahms and Weber are two of the most revered composers for the clarinet/piano repertoire. Jessie’s Peace shares the same gravitas and profundity as in the earlier masterpieces. This shared artistic statement is a toast to our musical partnership and friendship. Anthony and I hope that you will find beauty and peace in this album and know that we are Here With You. 

Here With You releases November 12! To learn more about the project and purchase, click below.