[4] Every year Chen and the TSO produced one or two operas (among them Aida, Otello and Turandot) which became major musical events in Taiwan.

[6] In a 2003 article in the Taipei Times newspaper, Chen was described as "a veritable Taiwanese 'living national treasure'", due to his "long line of magnificent concerts and opera productions.

[5][6] In March 2014, Chen came out of retirement and for the first time publicly praised Shen Yun Performing Arts for their "staging techniques" while reflecting that the institution deserved its reputation.

[citation needed] In September 2003, Chen was accused of corruption and involvement in a forgery scandal.

[6] As a result, the Department of Culture Affairs of the Taipei City Government decided to relieve him of his post.