About
Instrument: Violin
AYO: 2026
Caitlynn Cheng is a young violinist recognised for her musical sensitivity, technical assurance, and thoughtful, expressive approach to performance. She made her solo debut performing Bruch’s Violin Concerto No. 1 with the Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra as a Young Artist in 2025.
Caitlynn’s musical development began at an early age of two when she was first exposed to the world of classical music. She then began formal violin studies at the age of four after her admission to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts School of Young Talents Programme, where she studied under violinist, Xu Jue Yi. In 2024, she began her studies in Perth where she now studies the violin with Riley Skevington.
At twelve, Caitlynn was accepted into the Australian Youth Orchestra’s Young Symphonists Programme, participating in the September 2023 season. This enriching experience provided her with valuable orchestral training and the opportunity extend her musical depth and collaborate with like-minded young musicians from across Australia.
She has participated in masterclasses and mentorships with distinguished musicians including Lucilla Rose, Nicola Benedetti, and Yin Ke. In 2022, Caitlynn was a quarter-finalist in the Singapore National Piano and Violin Competition (Junior Category).
Beyond music, Caitlynn enjoys debating, travelling to new countries, surfing, hanging out with friends, and competing in tennis. She draws artistic inspiration from violinists like Hilary Hahn and Augustin Hadelich, as she loves performing and sharing her music to bring joy.
Caitlynn is thrilled to be selected for the 2026 Summer and Winter seasons of Australian Youth
Orchestra due to its high-level ensemble music-making, the opportunity to meet like-minded
friends from all around Australia and visit Sydney, Melbourne and Darwin.