Cecilia Yap trained at the Conservatorio of “Santa Cecilia” in Rome, Italy, under renowned sopranos K.S.Ann Saldarelli and Lorraine Nawa Jones Marenzi. After her graduation, she furthered her music studies with acclaimed operatic directors of “Arte Scenica”, Marcello Ferroni and Marcella Govoni.
During the eight years in Italy Cecilia appeared in numerous recitals as well as national TV. She was the winner of the 7th International Vocal Competition at Cascina, Italy in 1994 as well as being only Asian finalist. Her performances received critical acclaim from “L’Opera”, a leading opera magazine, which noted her dramatic flair and refined vocal expression and interpretation.
Since returning to South-East Asia Cecilia has appeared regularly in recitals and operas. She has performed in various countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea and Singapore. Her more recent operatic performances include Penang Arts Council’s productions as Micaela in Carmen, Mother in Hansel und Gretel and Liu in Turandot. She has also been invited to perform solo roles in many major oratorio productions both in and outside Malaysia, including Handel’s “Messiah”, Haydn’s “Creation”, Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and choral works “Hymn of Praise” and “Psalm 95”, Vivaldi’s Gloria in D (RV 589), Handel’s Dixit Dominus (HWV 232), Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus (RV 594), Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 and “The Yellow River” cantata. She was also the soloist in Asia’s premiere of Handel’s Gloria (HWV deest), a work newly discovered in 2001.
In 2006, Cecilia was a featured soloist in the Singapore Lyric Opera’s 15th anniversary concert, “Casta Diva” in Jakarta, “Nuit d’Amour” opera gala as part of YTL’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the 2006 “DIVA!” – an opera gala with three distinguished Asian sopranos, “Grandissimo!”, a gala concert in the presence of Malaysian Royalty, “Mozart 250 gala concert” to celebrate Mozart’s 250th birth anniversary and “Masquerade”- an evening of operetta by Strauss, Lehar and Sullivan.
In the following year Cecilia was the soloist in Genting International Showroom’s “Valentine concert – Love & Passion” and Singapore Lyric Opera’s (SLO) “Viva Verdi” Opera Gala. 2008’s schedule was busy as ever, with appearances as the soloist in “Musical Journey” with Malaysia’s National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Mustafa Fuzer Nawi, “Puccini Gala” (SLO production) and a Christmas Concert in Singapore’s Esplanade Concert Hall as well as a concert tour of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” in East Malaysia.
Cecilia was also the recipient of the Best Solo Performance of the Year Award at the 2002 Cameronian Arts Awards organized by ‘Kakiseni’ and sponsored by Boh Plantations.
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Reviews:
“Yap certainly lived up to expectations. Her voices was clear and powerful, and superbly control even for the most demanding songs…” Malay Mail
“Yap is a singer of rare musicality and stunning virtuosity. Her voice left the audience in awe with its sheer power, wide range and histrionic ability…” The Star
“Carmen” – “Cecilia brought humanity to Micaela…Her voice was clarity and sweetness, sorrow and loss” Kakiseni.com
“Viva Verdi” -…Very secure technique, blossoming in the higher range, with ease and freedom in the singing that was welcome, as well as some real dramatic flair with no sacrifice to beauty of tone.” The Flying Inkpot, Singapore
During the eight years in Italy Cecilia appeared in numerous recitals as well as national TV. She was the winner of the 7th International Vocal Competition at Cascina, Italy in 1994 as well as being only Asian finalist. Her performances received critical acclaim from “L’Opera”, a leading opera magazine, which noted her dramatic flair and refined vocal expression and interpretation.
Since returning to South-East Asia Cecilia has appeared regularly in recitals and operas. She has performed in various countries including Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Korea and Singapore. Her more recent operatic performances include Penang Arts Council’s productions as Micaela in Carmen, Mother in Hansel und Gretel and Liu in Turandot. She has also been invited to perform solo roles in many major oratorio productions both in and outside Malaysia, including Handel’s “Messiah”, Haydn’s “Creation”, Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” and choral works “Hymn of Praise” and “Psalm 95”, Vivaldi’s Gloria in D (RV 589), Handel’s Dixit Dominus (HWV 232), Vivaldi’s Dixit Dominus (RV 594), Beethoven’s Symphony No.9 and “The Yellow River” cantata. She was also the soloist in Asia’s premiere of Handel’s Gloria (HWV deest), a work newly discovered in 2001.
In 2006, Cecilia was a featured soloist in the Singapore Lyric Opera’s 15th anniversary concert, “Casta Diva” in Jakarta, “Nuit d’Amour” opera gala as part of YTL’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, the 2006 “DIVA!” – an opera gala with three distinguished Asian sopranos, “Grandissimo!”, a gala concert in the presence of Malaysian Royalty, “Mozart 250 gala concert” to celebrate Mozart’s 250th birth anniversary and “Masquerade”- an evening of operetta by Strauss, Lehar and Sullivan.
In the following year Cecilia was the soloist in Genting International Showroom’s “Valentine concert – Love & Passion” and Singapore Lyric Opera’s (SLO) “Viva Verdi” Opera Gala. 2008’s schedule was busy as ever, with appearances as the soloist in “Musical Journey” with Malaysia’s National Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Mustafa Fuzer Nawi, “Puccini Gala” (SLO production) and a Christmas Concert in Singapore’s Esplanade Concert Hall as well as a concert tour of Mendelssohn’s “Elijah” in East Malaysia.
Cecilia was also the recipient of the Best Solo Performance of the Year Award at the 2002 Cameronian Arts Awards organized by ‘Kakiseni’ and sponsored by Boh Plantations.
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Reviews:
“Yap certainly lived up to expectations. Her voices was clear and powerful, and superbly control even for the most demanding songs…” Malay Mail
“Yap is a singer of rare musicality and stunning virtuosity. Her voice left the audience in awe with its sheer power, wide range and histrionic ability…” The Star
“Carmen” – “Cecilia brought humanity to Micaela…Her voice was clarity and sweetness, sorrow and loss” Kakiseni.com
“Viva Verdi” -…Very secure technique, blossoming in the higher range, with ease and freedom in the singing that was welcome, as well as some real dramatic flair with no sacrifice to beauty of tone.” The Flying Inkpot, Singapore
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