“ A violinist of outstanding ability […] a musician of the highest order who displays passion and commitment […] a wonderful communicator with plenty of charisma on stage. ”
— Marios Papadopoulos, founder and music director of the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra
British Franco-Chinese violinist Laure Chan has been described as “a mesmerizing stage presence with the rare ability to draw the attention of the audience into her performance” (Isabelle van Keulen) and “an instinctive musician with a feeling for what is right” (Maxim Vengerov).
Hailed as a rising star by BBC Music Magazine and on Classic FM's 30 under 30 list in 2024, Laure enjoys a varied performance career as a soloist and ensemble player. She has performed in world-class concert venues throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and America such as the Royal Albert Hall, Philharmonie de Paris, Teatro del Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, Wiener Konzerthaus, Concertgebouw, Elbphilharmonie, Herodes Atticus, Shanghai Oriental Arts Centre and the Lincoln Center. In December 2023, Laure made her solo debut at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall.
Laure has gained numerous awards including 1st prize at the 2023 International Golden Classical Music Awards in New York, The Century Fund Prize / Richard III Prize in 2018 for solo baroque violin at the Royal College of Music, 1st prize at the 2015 Paris Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, the 2010 Music Director’s Award of the Oxford Philharmonic and the John McAslan violin prize at the Royal Academy of Music from 2007-2011.
Laure has made multiple appearances on major radio stations over the years including LBC News Radio, Norwegian Radio, BBC Radio 3 - In Tune, BBC Radio Scotland, BBC Radio 4, BBC Radio 6, BBC Sounds, NTS Radio, Scala Radio, Times Radio and on Classic FM featured as a "Young Classical Star". In June 2021, Laure became the host of her own radio show “Classical and Beyond” as part of Classical Turquoise Radio. The programme featured 8 episodes exploring a variety of musical styles and cultures inviting special guest artists from around the world. You can listen to all episodes on Laure’s soundcloud.
Laure is passionate about exploring new horizons through a variety of musical styles. Developing an interest in composition, Laure aims to combine her classical background with inspirations from multiple genres and cultures. She has released EPs and albums featuring original works and works of the classical repertoire which are available on streaming platforms worldwide.
Her debut album Tribute to Bach released in March 2021 features staple works by the composer as well as a variety of styles in her original compositions, all drawing inspiration from J.S. Bach’s music. The album gained hundreds of thousands of streams as an independent release and was widely featured in the press and radio stations such as on Violinist.com and the BBC. The album is available on disc and on streaming platforms. Her second album Schumann Violin Concerto was recorded at Abbey Road Studios with the Sinfonia Perdita conducted by Daniel Hogan. The album also features her original composition Lost in Translation, a multitrack violin recording solely played by Laure. It was featured on The Strad on its release day on 1 March 2024.
Laure took up the baroque violin under the guidance of Lucy Russell in 2014 which led to performances of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Bach’s Double Concerto with period ensembles at the Harwich and Brandenburg festivals. She has also explored baroque to romantic repertoire on period instruments with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment performing throughout the UK and Europe with conductors such as Sir Roger Norrington and Marin Alsop. She has also played with Florilegium and the Gabrieli Consort & Players.
Laure is a part of the Chineke! Orchestra and the London Contemporary Orchestra. Beyond the traditional classical realm, Laure has performed alongside Gustavo Dudamel and Tyler, The Creator, Ed Sheeran and Stormzy at The Brit Awards, Max Richter, Yussef Dayes and toured in Europe with Sigur Rós. She has collaborated as an artist with renowned names in the fashion industry such as Claudie Pierlot, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Vivienne Westwood and Vogue.
Committed to musical education, Laure has been invited to give masterclasses at the University of Costa Rica and as a guest teacher at the Enhui Music School. In 2020 she became an Ambassador for Nicola Benedetti’s charity “The Benedetti Foundation” providing workshops for string players of varying ages and levels throughout the UK and worldwide. In May 2020, during the pandemic, the Virtual Benedetti Sessions were launched gaining The Royal Philharmonic Society’s “Inspiration Award” supported by Decca Classics nominated by the general public. Since 2021 Laure has continued as a Lead Ambassador, Assistant Tutor and guest artist of the Foundation. Laure has also been invited as a guest speaker at her alma mater, the Royal College of Music, on the topic of Healthy Creative Careers.
Born in London, Laure began the violin at the age of five at the Royal Academy of Music in London studying with sisters Laura and Eleanor Stanford and continuing at the Junior Department with Yumi Sasaki. She joined the Royal College of Music as a Scholar in 2012 studying with Itzhak Rashkovsky, Radu Blidar and Gabrielle Lester. She has gained a Bachelor of Music, a Master in Performance and an Artist Diploma all with first class honours. She has received guidance from great violinists such as Maxim Vengerov, Pinchas Zukerman, Nicola Benedetti and Isabelle van Keulen.
Laure would like to thank the Hattori Foundation, Donald Paterson Fund, EMI Music Sound Foundation, Dorothy Croft Trust, John Lewis Partnership, The Countess of Munster Musical Trust, Gandar Dower Fund, Help Musicians UK, The Royal Society of Musicians of Great Britain and Talent Unlimited for their generous support.
