Chua Yew Kok

Born in Singapore in 1978, Chua Yew Kok started learning the pipa at the age of 14. He graduated from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts with a Diploma in Music in 2005 and a BA (Honours) in Music in 2006. He was awarded the Outstanding Performance Award at the First Youth Artistry Chinese Traditional Instrumental Solo Competition in Beijing in 2002 and the 2nd Prize at the Dun Huang (Yun) Cup Pipa Competition in Hong Kong in 2005.

Chua has performed in many international arts festivals around the world and has worked with well known conductors including Cao Wen Cong, Tay Teow Kiat, Quek Ling Kiong and Maestro Lim Yau. He is also a co-founder of Ding Yi Music Company, a Chinese chamber music ensemble that received first prize in the Llangollen International Music Eisteddfod in Wales, UK in 2009. He serves as the Soloist Musician of the Ding Yi Music Company and the Secretariat of Singapore Pipa Society.

Chua also engages youths as an educator, instructing pipa students at the NAFA School of Young Talents, as well as youth orchestras ranging from primary schools to tertiary institutions. He was a 2013 recipient of the Young Artist Award from the National Arts Council Singapore and is currently pursuing a Master of Music at the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing, China.

Image Source: Lianhe Zaobao © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.