Meet Yicheng (Oscar) Zhuang
Yicheng (Oscar) Zhuang is an up and coming cellist based in Japan. Originally from Shanghai, he has been captivating audiences in Tokyo with his performances. His dedication to music, community service efforts, and passion for promoting custom bows have made him a rising figure in Japan's orchestral scene.
About Oscar
Professional Journey
Oscar Zhuang has been playing the cello since he was five, and classical music has become a big part of his life. He currently studies with Shunsuke Fujimura, the former Associate Principal of the NHK Symphony Orchestra, and Professor Dmitry Feygin, a Russian cellist and professor at the Tokyo College of Music. He has also participated in masterclasses with Mag Attila Pasztor, from whom he received valuable insights on bow and string setup.
Oscar has performed in projects conducted by Maestro Kazuki Yamada, an internationally acclaimed conductor who will become Chief Conductor of the Berliner Symphoniker in 2026-2027.
Oscar is also part of the Tokyo College of Music Cello Club, enjoying his perfomances in concerts and at charity events. Additionally, he is very interested in composition, custom cello bows, and the physics of how the instrument and bow shape the sound.
Oscar has won awards including the Japan String Competition Excellent Prize, 3rd place at the Japan Classical Music Competition. (1st and 2nd place were not awarded), and he advanced to the finals in an international music competition.
Performance Videos
Featured Performance - Haydn: Cello Concerto in C Major, 3rd Movement
Charity Cello Performance, Shinjuku Nursing Home
TCM Cello Club Presents
TJOS Tokyo Junior Orchestra, Charity Performance
Asahi TV Performance, Kazuki Yamada Conducting
TCM Cello Club Presents
Kanagawa Youth Orchestra, Charity Performance
Cello Solo Cultural Exchange
School Spring Concert
46th Japan Classical Music Competition
Sunnyhall Recital Solo
Awards & Honors
A history of Oscar's awards, competitions, notable performances, & ongoing activities
Chamber Performances & Ongoing Activities
July 2024 to present – Kanagawa Youth Orchestra Duet
August 2024 to present – TJOS Tokyo Junior Orchestra Quartet
September 2024 Charity Cello Performance at Shinjuku Nursing Home
Competitions
May 10, 2025 – Japan National String Competition, Excellence Award
March 28, 2024 – 46th Japan Classical Music Competition, 3rd Prize (1st and 2nd Prizes not awarded)
August 2023 – Osaka International Music Competition, Finalist
Solo Performances
June 26, 2025 – Tokyo College of Music, Cello Club Presents
June 20, 2025 – High School Graduation Ceremony
May 23, 2025 – School Spring Concert
April 26, 2025 – Cello Solo Cultural Exchange
April 13, 2025 – Joint Recital-Solo Performance
February 23, 2025 – Tokyo College of Music, Cello Club Presents
October 7, 2024 – Tokyo College of Music, Cello Club Presents
April 2023 – “Beautiful Because of Music” Concert, Shanghai Oriental Art Center
Orchestral Experience
Kanagawa Youth Orchestra
March 2023 - Present: Principal Cellist
Tokyo Junior Orchestra
January 2024 - Present
Special Performances
January 12, 2025 -- Featured on TV Asahi’s Untitled Concert (a renowned Japanese classical music program broadcast since 1964, presenting classical music in an accessible way while inviting celebrated musicians for performances and discussions).
60th Anniversary Concert: “Future Orchestra” conducted by Kazuki Yamada
– Broadcast dates: 2/8, 2/15, 2/22
– Received Galaxy Award for Excellence (6/2)
Examinations
ABRSM
January 29, 2024 – Grade 8 Distinction
Connect with Oscar
Get in touch with Oscar Zhuang for any inquiries by email at oscarzhuang2022@gmail.com