Chen Zhangyi's music has been described by BBC Radio 3 as “music from a voice of the future” and “a breath of fresh air on our musical landscape” by The Straits Times. In his compositions ranging from chamber operas to orchestral works, Zhangyi explores the themes of nature and the musical representation of Singaporean (and Pan-Asian) culture. Zhangyi read music at YST (Bmus), and Peabody Institute (MM, DMA), and currently teaches Analysis and Composition at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory (YST). 

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Zhangyi often conducts his own music and has worked with Singapore Lyric Opera, L'arietta, Ensemble Ripieno PH, Tokyo Philharmonic, among other ensembles. At YST, Zhangyi had led the new music ensemble OpusNovus (2016-2018) in performances of modern repertoire, including contemporary works by international and regional composers. 

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As a string player, Zhangyi has performed on baroque violin and viola with Charm City Baroque, Baltimore Baroque Band (at Peabody Institute), where he has appeared as soloist alongside Wynne Fung in a performance of JS Bach's Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in 2015. Zhangyi is currently a member of Red Dot Baroque.