Mr. Shah Johan Shahridzuan
Lecturer
Shah Johan bin Shahridzuan currently serves as a Lecturer and collaborative piano faculty at the School of Music, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen. As a Malaysian pianist, conductor, and vocal coach, Shah Johan bin Shahridzuan is a multi-faceted musician celebrated for his dynamic career in performance, education, and research. Born on August 25, 1988, Shah Johan's musical journey began with rigorous training, earning a Bachelor of Music (Hons) in Piano Performance from UCSI University and further honing his skills with a Master of Music in Piano Accompaniment and an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma from the prestigious Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. His dedication to classical piano repertoire was evident early in his career, as demonstrated by his first runner-up position in the 3rd ASEAN International Chopin Piano Competition.
As a seasoned opera répétiteur and accompanist, Shah Johan has held prominent positions, including Music Director at Huaqiao University and Associate Research Fellow and Head of Accompaniment and Répétiteur studies at the College of Music and Dance of the Huaqiao University. He also serves as the Opera Répétiteur & Pianist at the Bergen Opera Company in Norway for their summer season, showcasing his expertise in preparing singers and instrumentalists for operatic performances. Shah Johan's vast experience in music direction is reflected in his numerous successful opera productions, such as Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann, Sondheim's Into the Woods, and Humperdinck's Hänsel und Gretel, among others. He has also collaborated with renowned vocalists like Prof. Ning Liang and Wang Yun Peng, performing Schubert's "Winterreise" and other acclaimed works in prestigious venues across China and Europe.
Shah Johan's passion for music extends to research and arrangement, as evidenced by his extensive orchestral arrangements of diverse works, including classical masterpieces like Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5, opera excerpts from Mozart and Donizetti, and even contemporary video game and film scores. His commitment to music education is equally notable. He serves as a piano accompanist for various examinations, auditions, and competitions, and nurtures the next generation of musicians as a vocal coach and tutor for collaborative piano and vocal ensemble studies.
Throughout his career, Shah Johan has garnered numerous awards and prizes, including the Somerset Song Prize, Edward Brooks Lieder Prize, and John Ireland Prize, highlighting his exceptional talent and dedication. His active membership in professional societies like the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Alumni and UCSI University Alumni reflects his commitment to fostering connections and contributing to the wider musical community.
Shah Johan's participation in masterclasses with acclaimed musicians such as Iain Burnside, Graham Johnson, and Peter Donohoe demonstrates his ongoing pursuit of artistic growth and refinement. His diverse experiences and accomplishments have solidified his position as a leading figure in the music world, inspiring aspiring musicians and enriching the cultural landscape with his exceptional musicality and unwavering passion. His biography is a testament to the transformative power of music and the dedication required to achieve excellence in this demanding field.