From Campus to Masterclass: Second-Generation Taiwanese Stand Out in South Africa's Classical Music Scene
Two young second-generation Taiwanese girls, aged 10 and 13, won spots in a highly competitive violin masterclass in South Africa, demonstrating their exceptional talent.
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- 📰 Published: April 24, 2026 at 23:19
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Central News
(CNA, Johannesburg, 24th, Special Correspondent Li I-hsuan) In South Africa's highly competitive classical music education system, a new generation of Taiwanese is standing out. The University of South Africa (UNISA) recently held an audition for a violin masterclass. Out of the 3 final spots, 2 were awarded to second-generation Taiwanese students: 10-year-old Cynthia Wang and 13-year-old Selina Yang. Their success in securing seats in an audition primarily composed of university students has drawn attention from the local music community.
The masterclass was hosted by Italian violinist Francesco D'Orazio, whose performances span Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and who has graced the stages of La Scala in Milan and the Berlin Philharmonic. Targeted at conservatory students or semi-professional performers, the masterclass involves limited selection and one-on-one coaching, emphasizing technique, interpretation, and stage experience. Selected participants must possess quite mature performing abilities.
Among them, Cynthia Wang has already passed the Grade 8 violin exam of Trinity College London, making her one of the youngest in South Africa to pass this level.
Her mother, Chiang Yu, stated that the spots for such masterclasses are limited, and the judging standards are close to professional conservatory levels. For children to be selected in an audition dominated by university students is of great significance and serves as an affirmation.
This is partly due to South Africa's well-established local music environment and its capacity to connect internationally. The University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestras (UPSO) is part of South Africa's system that transitions students from campus training to professional stages. Established in 1961, UPSO currently has about 80 members, mainly university students and young musicians. Through an audition system, regular concerts, and international collaborations, it builds a cultivation mechanism linking to professional stages.
In this context, the fact that second-generation Taiwanese students could secure seats in an international-level masterclass shows that their performing abilities transcend their age and learning stages, reflecting the cumulative results of long-term music training and family education.
Besides the strings field, there is also dazzling new talent in wind instruments. Eleven-year-old Taiwanese-descent flute student Sienna Liu has won awards at the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, the Yamaha Music Competition, and the National Eisteddfod in South Africa, and has performed as a soloist with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra.
Sienna Liu also served as the opening act for a vocal and chamber music concert held on the 19th at Northwards House in Johannesburg.
From local concerts to international masterclasses, the visibility of South Africa's second-generation Taiwanese musical talents is rising, gradually securing a place in the highly competitive classical music cultivation system. (Edited by Hsieh I-hsuan) 1150424
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(CNA, Johannesburg, 24th, Special Correspondent Li I-hsuan) In South Africa's highly competitive classical music education system, a new generation of Taiwanese is standing out. The University of South Africa (UNISA) recently held an audition for a violin masterclass. Out of the 3 final spots, 2 were awarded to second-generation Taiwanese students: 10-year-old Cynthia Wang and 13-year-old Selina Yang. Their success in securing seats in an audition primarily composed of university students has drawn attention from the local music community.
The masterclass was hosted by Italian violinist Francesco D'Orazio, whose performances span Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and who has graced the stages of La Scala in Milan and the Berlin Philharmonic. Targeted at conservatory students or semi-professional performers, the masterclass involves limited selection and one-on-one coaching, emphasizing technique, interpretation, and stage experience. Selected participants must possess quite mature performing abilities.
Among them, Cynthia Wang has already passed the Grade 8 violin exam of Trinity College London, making her one of the youngest in South Africa to pass this level.
Her mother, Chiang Yu, stated that the spots for such masterclasses are limited, and the judging standards are close to professional conservatory levels. For children to be selected in an audition dominated by university students is of great significance and serves as an affirmation.
This is partly due to South Africa's well-established local music environment and its capacity to connect internationally. The University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestras (UPSO) is part of South Africa's system that transitions students from campus training to professional stages. Established in 1961, UPSO currently has about 80 members, mainly university students and young musicians. Through an audition system, regular concerts, and international collaborations, it builds a cultivation mechanism linking to professional stages.
In this context, the fact that second-generation Taiwanese students could secure seats in an international-level masterclass shows that their performing abilities transcend their age and learning stages, reflecting the cumulative results of long-term music training and family education.
Besides the strings field, there is also dazzling new talent in wind instruments. Eleven-year-old Taiwanese-descent flute student Sienna Liu has won awards at the Hubert van der Spuy National Music Competition, the Yamaha Music Competition, and the National Eisteddfod in South Africa, and has performed as a soloist with the Johannesburg Symphony Orchestra.
Sienna Liu also served as the opening act for a vocal and chamber music concert held on the 19th at Northwards House in Johannesburg.
From local concerts to international masterclasses, the visibility of South Africa's second-generation Taiwanese musical talents is rising, gradually securing a place in the highly competitive classical music cultivation system. (Edited by Hsieh I-hsuan) 1150424
Stand with facts; every sponsorship you make is a force protecting press freedom.
Download the CNA 'First Hand News' APP to grasp the latest news instantly.
The text, images, and audio/video on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and utilized without authorization.