Belle Chen - Leuven Jazz

Australian-Taiwanese pianist and composer Belle Chen is difficult to categorise musically. She does not limit herself to one genre, but instead presents a unique blend of jazz, classical, avant-garde, electronic and sound art in her music. She plays the piano with feeling and virtuosity, adding fresh and playful sounds from synthesizers, electric pianos and field recordings.

In her live shows, Belle takes a quirky, yet tender approach to musical storytelling. With the unmistakable influences of Maurice Ravel, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Joe Hisaishi’s melodic sweetness shining through, she blends sonic synth explorations, classical virtuosity, and free flowing improvisations that feel equally at home on jazz or experimental stages.

Drawing inspiration from nature and the city, she delivers performances that are colourful, surprising, and brimming with warmth and imagination. In this concert, she will play music from her latest album, Ravel in the Forest, alongside brand new compositions.

Ravel In The Forest

Notes fall like raindrops, quickening pace as the clouds gather. The piano melody splish splashes into the electronic soundscape; the trees become denser, the journey more profound.

Belle Chen’s album Ravel In The Forest (Platoon label) leads the listener through ancient woodland, quiet clearings and tropical canopies. We’re accompanied by birds, a chameleon, a dragonfly – the wonder of the natural world is imbued into this imaginary space.

Lying-down concert

You take your place on the stage, around Belle Chen’s piano.
Please bring your own yoga mat for this lying-down concert.