​Always fascinated by the expressive possibilities of dramatic forms, Justine F. Chen draws inspiration from animation, film, theater, classical Indian dance and music, ballet, and contemporary dance.  Recent projects include a new chamber opera Seven Sisters with librettist Stephanie Fleischmann, a piece for The Crossing with text by Jena Osman, a holiday opera with Lila Palmer and Jorge Sosa, and a full-length opera with librettist David Simpatico on the subject of Alan Turing commissioned by American Lyric Theater.

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Her first operatic work, computer-enhanced chamber opera, THE MAIDEN TOWER, initially presented at Juilliard, was featured in New York City Opera's VOX 2006, and had its international première in Montréal with Chants Libres in December 2008.  When featured in NYCO's VOX 2008, the New York Times described JEANNE as "lyrical, atmospheric... striking… Throughout, Ms. Chen balances despair and humor."



She has been commissioned and performed by New York City Opera, New York City Ballet, The Juilliard School, JACK Quartet, American Composers Orchestra, New York Festival of Song, Washington Ballet, Long Leaf Opera, Chicago Opera Theater, Tapestry Opera, and the Brooklyn Philharmonic.

Photo: Steven Laxton.