Julia Chien was introduced to orchestral music during her first private lesson at the University of British Columbia, where she was intrigued by the diverse culture of the study in the course of her undergrad. She went on to earn her Masters degree at UBC and soon after began to pursue the professional path of orchestral percussion.
This path led her to various countries around the world and has given her the opportunity to perform with an array of ensembles including the National Arts Centre Orchestra, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Victoria Symphony, Turning Point Ensemble, and Continuum Contemporary Ensemble. She led a section with the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra as principal percussion in 2017, and went on to become principal timpanist of the Kamloops Symphony Orchestra (2017-2021).
Julia formed a percussion duo called Infamy Too! with Aaron Graham in 2017, and recently joined Veda Hille Sisterhood, a six-piece band, as vibraphonist/percussionist. Julia is very excited to be a member of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra as Section Percussion for the 23/24 season.
