COLLABS
Chia-Wei Lin
Musician
Chia-Wei Lin is undoubtedly the most gifted contemporary classical guitarist in Taiwan, as well as a highly representative figure in the international music scene. With his breathtaking technical virtuosity, profound musical insight, and expansive repertoire, he has traversed global stages, shining brightly in the international arena. He has been hailed by domestic and international media and music circles alike with accolades such as "The Pride of Taiwan," "The 15-Year-Old Taiwan Miracle," and "The Future Master of Taiwan."
Lin's musical journey began at the age of four, initiated into the classical guitar by his father, Lin Gong-xin. He gave his first public performance at age six and debuted as a concerto soloist on stage by age nine. From the age of twelve, he began competing above his age group in the adult divisions of international open guitar competitions, consistently winning awards.
In 2009, with the generous sponsorship of the Chairman of Merry Electronics, Lin traveled to Europe for advanced studies. He trained under the legendary German classical guitar master Hubert Käppel at the Koblenz International Guitar Academy and the Cologne Music Conservatory (Hochschule für Musik und Tanz Köln). He subsequently studied with the acclaimed Belgian guitarist Raphaëlla Smits at the LUCA School of Arts (Leuven campus) in Belgium, obtaining his Master’s Degree in Instrument Performance in 2019.
Landmark Performances & Festivals
His performance footprint spans the world's most prestigious musical sanctuaries. His landmark milestone performances include:
2012: Solo recital at the Wiener Konzerthaus in Vienna, Austria.
2014: Solo recital at Carnegie Hall in New York, USA.
Chia-Wei Lin has also set an unprecedented record of 14 first prizes in international music competitions for a Taiwanese musician.
The resounding success of these two performances at the highest shrines of music officially declared Lin's entry into the ranks of the world's top-tier virtuosos.
TRACKS
CV
Selected Honors & Chronology
International Competition Records
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2005: 1st Prize, Singapore International Guitar Competition
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2009: 2nd Prize and Audience Award, 10th "Enrico Mercatali" European Classical Guitar Competition (Italy)
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2010: 1st Prize, Karl Scheit International Guitar Competition (Austria)
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2010: 1st Prize, Berlin International Guitar Competition (Germany)
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2010: 1st Prize, Nürtingen International Guitar Competition (Germany)
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2010: 1st Prize, Veria International Guitar Competition (Greece)
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2010: 2nd Prize, Gevelsberg International Guitar Competition (Germany)
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2010: 3rd Prize, Koblenz International Guitar Competition (Germany)
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2011: 1st Prize, Gevelsberg International Guitar Competition (Germany)
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2013: 1st Prize, Koblenz International Guitar Competition (Germany) (This victory earned him the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York)
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2014: 1st Prize, Iserlohn International Guitar Competition (Germany)
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2015: 4th Prize, Guitar Foundation of America (GFA) International Concert Artist Competition (One of the most prestigious guitar competitions in the world)
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2018: 1st Prize, Silesian International Guitar Competition (Poland) (Marking his milestone of 14 international competition championships)
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2018: 1st Prize, European International Guitar Concerto Competition (Netherlands) (The only Asian competitor to be selected as a finalist and win the championship)
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2019: 2nd Prize, Biennial International Guitar Competition (Czech Republic)
Major Domestic Honors
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2006: Recipient of the Presidential Education Award (R.O.C.)
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2006: Outstanding Youth Medal for College Students
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2006: Selected as the National Theater and Concert Hall "Rising Star"
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2007: Named one of Taiwan's Top Ten Potential Talents in the "Humanities and Arts" category
Core Performances and Milestones
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1994 (Age 6): Gave his first public classical guitar performance in Taiwan.
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1997 (Age 9): Debuted on stage as a concerto soloist (performing with an orchestra).
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2010: Invited to perform a solo recital at the Nürtingen Guitar Festival (Germany).
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2011: Returned to his hometown for the first time after completing his studies in Europe, performing guitar concertos with the Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra and the Qingdao Symphony Orchestra.
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2012: Held a solo recital at the Wiener Konzerthaus (Vienna, Austria).
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2014: Held a solo recital at Carnegie Hall (New York, USA).
Recent Regular Performances: Frequently invited to hold solo recitals (featuring themes such as "Song of Six Strings" and "Guitar Across Time and Space") at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts (Weiwuying) and the National Concert Hall. He regularly tours with domestic and international symphony orchestras for concerto performances, engages in crossover musical collaborations, and performs at major concert halls and music festivals globally.