Nathan Chan’s multifaceted career exemplifies his dedication to exploring the many dimensions of the cello, sharing his musical voice through solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. Guided by a belief in music’s power to connect and uplift, Nathan seeks to create meaningful experiences that foster community and empathy.

Currently Assistant Principal Cello of the Seattle Symphony, Nathan was named to Seattle’s Forbes 30 Under 30 for his efforts to expand classical music’s reach. He has embraced technology and social media to bring music to new audiences, with over 35 million views across YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. His “Nathan Chan Chats for Change” series, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, reflects his belief in using music as a force for dialogue and healing. He also released his first NFT in collaboration with AI artist Lia Coleman, merging classical performance with generative art.

As a soloist, Nathan has appeared with the San Francisco Symphony, Royal Philharmonic, Albany Symphony, and Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra, under conductors such as Leonard Slatkin, James Gaffigan, and Laura Jackson. He was selected for Gautier Capuçon’s Classe d’Excellence du Violoncelle at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris.

In the 2024–2025 season, he performs DANCE by Anna Clyne with the Auburn Symphony, Gulda’s Cello Concerto with the Cascade and Olympia Symphonies, and premieres Karen P. Thomas’s The world is charged with Seattle Pro Musica.

A graduate of Columbia University and The Juilliard School, Nathan continues to deepen his artistry with curiosity, generosity, and purpose.

photo credit: Kenneth Edwards