Stephen Johnson-Tseu

Hailing from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Stephen started learning the cello under Julie Dessureault. As a student, he has also studied with Thomas Duran and Leonid Shukaev and masterclasses with Guillaume Chilemme, Ruth Rosique, Asier Polo, and Orfeo Trio, to name a few. He was also the only Malaysian recipient of a scholarship by Gazprom Co. to attend a masterclass with the late Alexander Buzlov.

Described as “formidable ... and an avid storyteller” (Benjamin Zander), he has performed with various ensembles and orchestras throughout the world in Germany, Thailand, France, Russia, Japan, the U.S., Taiwan, Hong Kong and etc. His craft in ensemble playing has also received recognition such as first prizes from the Académie-Festival des Arcs (2018) and Ipoh Music Festival (Chamber Music Category, 2017); and he currently plays with the DSCH Quartet, the first string quartet-in-residence to have graduated with a Masters in Music from the UCSI University.

His versatility extends beyond classical music: he has played for multiple artists and was involved in TV productions with Malaysia’s Astro and TV3, as well as theatre productions and occasional appearances at concert- and jazz venues around the Klang Valley.

Stephen plays on a 2014 Han Zhao-Sheng cello.

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