Chorus Niagara's Associate Conductor program provides an emerging conductor the opportunity to work in collaboration with Artistic Director Kathleen Allan and serves as a contributing member to the entire CN artistic team. Associate Conductors support rehearsal and performance preparation of our engaged and dedicated community of singers, gain experience and insights about major choral organization logistics and contribute to conversations regarding repertoire, soloists, clinicians, auditions and other artistic decisions.

​

We're delighted to announce that the 2025/2026 Associate Conductor is Yuan Chen.

​

Yuan (Alba) Chen holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and a Master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Memorial University. She is currently in the Doctor of Musical Arts program in Choral Conducting at the University of Toronto.

 

As a former Assistant Conductor of Orchestra Toronto, Yuan earned wide recognition and praise for her musicianship and leadership. She previously served as Music Director at Nomad Stages in Stephenville, Newfoundland, where she led her choir to win the Best Choir Award at the Stephenville Rotary Music Festival. During her tenure, she took on the role of Music Director for eleven musical theatre productions. Yuan continued to broaden her artistic work as Music Director for the 46th Stephenville Theatre Festival, a role that highlighted her collaborative spirit and clear artistic vision. She also serves as a guest conductor for the Atlantic Boy Choir.

 

In addition to her choral accomplishments, Yuan brings a diverse artistic background, having worked for five years as an improvisational theatre actress, film producer, and director, enriching her approach to storytelling and performance.