KUCHING : Malaysia’s classical music scene continues to shine as young cellist Sinjo Yap, born in 2009, cements her place among the brightest rising talents in the international arena. At just 12 years old, she achieved what no Malaysian had ever done—earning admission to the prestigious University of Music and Performing Arts, Vienna, becoming the youngest Malaysian to enter the institution’s gifted cello programme. She is currently training under world-renowned cellist Prof. István Várdai.
Sinjo’s journey began at the age of seven, and her steady rise reflects years of discipline, strong mentorship and an unwavering commitment to her craft. Over the years, she has collected an impressive list of local and international achievements, earning recognition from respected competitions around the world.
Among her latest accomplishments are top placements at the International David Geringas Cello Competition Klaipeda 2025, Southeast Asia Bach Competition 2025, Vychytil International Cello Competition in Prague, CellEAST International Competition in Romania, Osaka International Music Competition, Euroasia String Competition, and the Malaysia Selangor Symphony Orchestra National Concerto Competition. These milestones place her among the most decorated young Malaysian cellists of her generation.
In addition to her international achievements, Sinjo also performed at the 6th edition of the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts (SIFMA) held on 6th and 7th December at the DUN Sarawak, showcasing her talent on home soil and delighting local audiences with her exceptional musicianship.
In 2023 and 2024, she performed at the student concerts of the Cello Akademie Rutesheim Festival, a platform known for nurturing outstanding young performers. There, she learned from and worked with some of today’s most respected cellists, including Marc Coppey, Jakob Spahn, Attila Pasztor, Julie Dessureault and Dylan Lee. Her artistic development was further shaped through collaborations with Ellie Solha Won, Vivian Sun, Florent Audibert, Bruno Ventocilla and Atanas Krastev.
Her repertoire spans major works in the cello tradition, from Bach’s iconic suites to concertos by Haydn, Saint-Saëns, Tchaikovsky, Davidoff and Lalo. This depth of study reflects a maturity beyond her years and a growing command of the classical canon.
Sinjo’s early training included masterclasses and lessons with distinguished teachers such as Julie Dessureault, Huangyi Lin, Attila Pasztor, Kirill Rodin, Florent Audibert, Stefan Konz, Bruno Ventocilla, and Dylan Lee. Each mentor played a part in shaping the young cellist into the poised and disciplined musician she is becoming today.
