FACULTY

Yu Jing

Artist Faculty, Cello

yujing@nus.edu.sg

Yu Jing joined the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in August 2024, in the same year, she was also been appointed as the visiting professor of Shenyang Conservatory of Music.

From the vibrant city of Wanzhou, Chongqing, China, to the prestigious stages of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Yu Jing’s musical odyssey is a testament to her unwavering passion and exceptional talent. At the tender age of seven, Yu Jing embarked on her cello journey under the guidance of Wu Xiyu, laying the foundation for a life dedicated to music. Her prodigious talent soon led her to the Shanghai Conservatory of Music’s affiliated high school, where she studied with luminaries such as Professors Xia Jinglu and Lin Yingrong. It was here that Yu Jing first showcased her remarkable abilities, clinching an award at the first national cello competition.

Yu Jing’s pursuit of excellence took her across continents to Germany, where she was invited by Hellmut Stern of the Berlin Philharmonic to further her studies under the tutelage of the renowned cellist Markus Nyikos at the Berlin University of the Arts.

In 1997, Yu Jing joined the Singapore Symphony Orchestra as associate principal cellist, a role she cherishes to this day. Her collaborations with the orchestra, both in chamber music and as a soloist, have been lauded for their musicality, melodious tone, and technical prowess, earning praise from the Singapore Arts Magazine.

Yu Jing’s dedication to her art extends beyond performance; she is a revered mentor, having nurtured the next generation of cellists at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and through her own cello class for gifted children. Her students’ successes at regional and international competitions stand as a testament to her impactful mentorship.

Despite a demanding schedule, Yu Jing finds solace and expression in writing and illustrating children’s musical stories. Her work, including the award-winning “The Lost Piao Piao,” has been recognized for its ability to intertwine music, literature, and creativity, inspiring children to think critically and creatively. In March 2023, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Lianhe Zaobao brought “Yu Jing’s Musical Fairy Tales” to life, presenting a chamber music concert that celebrated her imaginative storytelling.