Amy Shen is a violinist and violist specializing in historical performance practice.
She discovered her interest in early music while completing degrees in modern viola at the Cleveland Institute of Music. In 2011, she moved to Europe to study baroque violin, obtaining a Bachelor’s degree at the Royal Conservatory of The Hague and a Master’s degree from the University of the Arts Bremen. Her principal teachers during her studies were Jeffrey Irvine, Lynne Ramsey, Julie Andrijeski, Ryo Terakado, Veronika Skuplik and Thomas Albert.
Regularly in demand as an ensemble musician on both violin and viola, Amy Shen has collaborated with ensembles such as Apollo’s Fire, Elbipolis Barockorchester Hamburg, L’Arpeggiata, Bremer Barockorchester, Concerto dei venti, Concerto Ispirato, Concerto Palatino, la dolcezza, la festa musicale and the Svapinga Consort. She performs with Robert Selinger as the Schwanenberg Duo.
Amy Shen colors her violin sound in an exceptionally pleasing way: svelte but strong, flexible but always definite and clearly formed – almost as though each note were a precious, twinkling star. Everything is comprehensible and fascinating.
Roland Happersberger, Die Rheinpfalz, 19 August 2019