Known for his “solid technique… imaginative programming… tasteful creativity in registering orchestral textures” (AGO Charleston Chapter), Ryan Chan is recognized as a versatile musician specializing in organ, harpsichord, and piano. His passion for early and contemporary repertoire, historical performance practice, historic and antique keyboards, experimentation, and teaching defines his musical identity. Hailing from Hong Kong, he has given solo recitals across the United States and at prestigious European venues including Bremen Dom and Altenburg Schlosskirche, and has appeared at festivals in the United States, including Piccolo Spoleto L’Organo Charleston and Skaneateles Festival. His playing has been featured on Pipedreams and RTHK Radio 4.
Ryan’s debut CD “PARIS MILIEU” received glowing reviews, praised for “a clear understanding of the symphonic organ” (The Diapason) and “an effortless technique… sensitive and thoughtful performance” (The American Organist).
A laureate of several important competitions, Ryan was most recently awarded First Prize and Audience Prize in the 2024 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition in Organ Performance. In 2023, he won Second Prize in the 16th International Gottfried Silbermann Organ Competition, held in Freiberg and Dresden. He was also the First Prize winner of the 2018 Arthur Poister Scholarship Competition in Organ Playing.
Ryan serves as Assistant Organist at Third Presbyterian Church in Rochester, NY, where he works alongside Renée Anne Louprette, Director of Music Ministries and Organist. He is one recital away from completing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance and Literature at the Eastman School of Music, where he has studied with David Higgs since 2017. He also holds a master’s degree in harpsichord performance, having studied with Lisa Goode Crawford. An active choral accompanist and continuo harpsichordist, he has worked with Gloriæ Dei Cantores, Society for New Music, Eastman Collegium Musicum, Roberts Wesleyan College Chorale and currently serves as Chorus Assistant and Accompanist with the Genesee Valley Orchestra and Chorus.
He is represented throughout North America by Karen McFarlane Artists, Inc.