Belle Chen - Leuven Jazz Festival

Notes fall like raindrops, quickening pace as the clouds gather. The piano melody splish sploshes into the electronic soundscape; the trees become denser, the journey more profound. Belle Chen’s album Ravel In The Forest, released on the 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.

Receiving a standing ovation at her EFG London Jazz Festival debut in 2024, Belle is praised as an artist that is ‘Original and provocative… feels like the sense of discovery’ (Brian Eno). The Australian Music Prize-nominated artist’s latest album charted at #7 on UK Official Chart (Specialist Classical) and #15 on Australia’s ARIA Chart (Classical).

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, Belle blends sonic synth explorations, classical virtuosity, and free flowing improvisations that feel equally at home on jazz or experimental stages.

This is a solo performance that is not to be missed, with Belle performing tunes from her Ravel In The Forest album and new material.

“Belle Chen is a tour de force, blending classical mastery with modern innovation.” – Richard Wilkinson-Smith, LeftLion

Chen’s releases have gathered Australian Music Prize nominations and amassed over 50 million streams to-date.