Xiao Chen

Xiao Chen, China (Professor of Management, University of Prince Edward Island)
Concerto: Beethoven Concerto No. 1 in C major, Op. 15 (I. Allegro con brio)

Xiao Chen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Management (with tenure) at the Faculty of Business, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada. He has a passion for classical music, ethnomusicology, and art administration, and is an active amateur pianist who has performed at various international and local venues, including the PianoTexas International Festival and Academy (2022), the PEI Kiwanis Music Festival (2022), and the Young Musicians’ Recital Series of the PEI Registered Music Teachers’ Association (2020, 2021, 2022).

In October 2022, as one of the five Canadian amateur pianists, Xiao performed at the prestigious 8th Van Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition, as a non-competing festival participant. This experience was yet another highlight in his musical journey, which began when he begged his parents for piano lessons at the age of 12 in Shenzhen, China. Xiao's love for the piano has remained steadfast, as evidenced by his continued learning, practice and performances, even while pursuing his academic and professional career.

Xiao holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy from Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China, an M.A. in Asian Studies and a Graduate Certificate in Survey and Data Science from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a thesis entitled "The 'Pianistic Other' in Shenzhen (1978-2007)," and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. In addition to his musical pursuits, Xiao has also offered pro-bono management consulting to arts agencies, taught in Chile and Egypt, and designed psychological experiments to study human's subconscious motivation. Currently, he serves on the Board of Directors of the PEI Symphony Orchestra.