Stephen Johnson Tseu
“...an avid storyteller... A formidable cellist..." – Benjamin Zander
Stephen has performed extensively and internationally across 3 continents as a cellist.
A native of Kota Kinabalu, he has performed in orchestras such as
the Denver Philharmonic, American Festival, the National Symphony of Malaysia, the Malaysian Philharmonic, among many others.
Having studied and attended masterclasses with cellists
Julie Dessureault, Asier Polo, Jacob Shaw, Leonid Shukaev, Thomas Duran, Thomas Loewenheim, and the late Alexander Buzlov,
Stephen was greatly influenced to be a great enthusiast of various genres and soundscapes.
As a performer, he favours creative communication between artistic hive minds to generate exhilarating experiences for attending audiences.
He frequently performs with the DSCH Quartet and Kamerata Kuala Lumpur,
and has performed in projects with Giacomo Banella, Ng Chong Lim, Poom Prommachart, to name a few.
Stephen was also invited to the Mas Palou Artist Residency in 2023 together with Daniel Bucurescu for their interdisciplinary project in social identity: „no!“.
His recent performances also showcase his versatility, as he has appeared in concerts with Pradeep Kumar, Nathania Ong, Joe Flizzow, and Izen Kong;
as well as corporate events with Viu, Tatler, HSBC, Maybank, Signature Kitchen, and Kenanga.
Stephen also performs regularly with Tarakucha!, a Malaysian big band featuring Malayan songs of the 60s and 70s.
As an educator, Stephen has extensive cello pedagogical experience -
he taught at the British International School, Epsom College, University of Malaya, and Sunway University,
prior to accepting a tenured position with the UCSI University in 2019.
Stephen also occasionally tutors for the ‘Genius Seni Muzik’, the youth orchestra programme at the Istana Budaya , Kuala Lumpur.
Even after his departure from academia in 2024, Stephen still teaches at UCSI University and University of Malaya as an adjunct instructor.
Stephen performs on a 2014 Han Zhao-sheng cello.