FACULTY

Han Oh

Artist Faculty, Viola

hanoh@nus.edu.sg

Han Oh is recognised as one of Singapore’s most versatile and accomplished musicians, celebrated for his contributions across classical, contemporary, and electric strings genres. With a career spanning continents, Han has led as Principal Violist in numerous international and Singaporean orchestras for ballet, opera, and musical theatre productions, including the Colorado Mahler Festival Orchestra, Asian American Philharmonic Orchestra, Singapore Lyric Opera, and the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra. His artistry has been showcased alongside contemporary musical legends, having collaborated and recorded sessions for Grammy-winning producers such as David Foster, Patrick Leonard, Bill Bottrell, Clint Mansell and “Dangermouse” aka Brian Burton.

A Singapore Youth Orchestra Scholar, Han studied under Lionel Tan of the T’ang Quartet, followed by formal studies at the Eastman School of Music under George Taylor. As the former violist of the Aerith Quartet, Han has also studied chamber music and string quartet playing extensively under Takacs Quartet for 4 years in Boulder, Colorado. His early career achievements include winning the National Singapore Music Competition in the Lower Strings Category and receiving the Singapore National Arts Council’s Certificate of Distinction.

A much sought-after educator and pedagogue, Han has mentored students who gained admittance to prestigious institutions such as Indiana University, Boston University, and the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. With close to 20 years of experience and expertise conducting string orchestras, he conducted the Methodist Girls’ School Orchestra and currently directs the National Junior College String Ensemble, both of which achieved top honours at the Singapore Youth Festival under his guidance. His ensemble at National Junior College was awarded international recognition, tying for fourth place at the 2014 Summa Cum Laude Festival in Vienna and later winning third place with Outstanding Success at the 2024 competition.

 

Han’s professional affiliations include years of service with the Singapore National Youth Orchestra, where he has shaped concert repertoire, conducted training, and overseen placements and auditions. His expertise also extends to musical theatre, where he has performed as principal violist in productions including The Phantom of the Opera, RENT, The Great Wall, Into the Woods and Next to Normal.

In recognition of his contributions to electric strings performance, he was appointed Singapore’s first YAMAHA Electric Strings Artist in 2014, joining ranks with globally renowned YAMAHA Artists. His album Eviolonogue—produced entirely on the Yamaha YEV105BL electric 5-string violin/viola hybrid—reflects his innovative approach to electric string performance.

As a member of the T’ang Quartet from 2020 to 2023, Han contributed to the Quartet’s mission as Quartet-in-Residence at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. Now an Artist Faculty member, he teaches viola, chamber music, and orchestral studies, where he shares his vast expertise in classical performance, collaborative ensemble, and contemporary music innovation with the next generation of musicians.