Our Story
MYSO (Melaka Youth String Orchestra) was established in 2016 in Melaka with the aim of providing young musicians a platform to grow beyond individual learning and experience the depth of ensemble performance.
String instruments are often learned individually.
But on their own, they can feel limited.
MYSO exists to change that.
We bring young musicians together to listen, respond and create music collectively — where sound becomes layered, expressive and alive. Through this shared experience, students not only develop musically, but also build discipline, teamwork and confidence.
MYSO is guided by a team of experienced musicians and educators, including a professional violinist from Malaysia’s leading symphony orchestra in Kuala Lumpur who brings the discipline and standards of orchestral performance into the ensemble. Supporting the development of younger musicians is Ms Syazeleen Mustafa, who works closely with juniors to build strong foundations and confidence in ensemble playing. The orchestra is further enriched by the involvement of internationally recognised violinist and educator Prof. Bartosz Woroch, whose mentorship provides valuable global perspective and artistic depth.
MYSO is professionally managed by a team of experienced individuals from diverse fields, ensuring both artistic and organisational excellence in its development.
At its heart, MYSO was built by a group of dedicated parents, many of whom are professionals, who wanted to create something better — not only for their own children, but for other young people in Melaka. What began as a small initiative has since grown into a purposeful community, driven by individuals who contribute their time, energy and expertise to build something meaningful for the next generation.
Over the years, MYSO has presented numerous performances and concerts, many of which were held in support of charitable causes and community organisations. Beyond the stage, these initiatives reflect a deeper purpose — using music as a way to give back, connect and contribute meaningfully to society. Through these efforts, young musicians not only perform, but also learn the value of empathy, responsibility and community impact.
In addition, MYSO provides opportunities for broader exposure beyond the local scene, including participation in overseas learning experiences such as the Singapore Chamber Music Festival, held biennially. These experiences allow members to engage with musicians from different backgrounds, deepen their musical understanding and gain valuable insight into a wider artistic community.
MYSO is incorporated as a society under POM (Registration No: PPM-027-04-01082019).
VISION
To inspire and nurture a generation of young musicians through shared musical experiences that transforms individual learning into collective musical experiences, while nurturing confident, well-rounded individuals and contributing to a vibrant cultural community.
MISSION
- To provide a platform where young string musicians can come together and experience the power of ensemble playing
- To make orchestral music accessible and relevant to the local community
- To cultivate teamwork, resilience, and confidence through consistent training and performance
- To build a sustainable ecosystem where youth, families and the community come together through music
Management Committee
From left : Chew Pay Chian, Karen Ho Sau Kwan, Geraldine Tian Li Xian, Nur Syazeleen Mustafa, Soh Chee Chee, Khoo Siew Lin, Dr. Ava Tay Gwak Mui
President : Soh Chee Chee
Soh Chee Chee is the President of the Melaka Youth String Orchestra (MYSO), where she has been instrumental in growing the orchestra from a small ensemble into a vibrant youth music community. Passionate about nurturing young musicians, she believes that music is not only about artistic excellence but also about building character, confidence and lifelong friendships. Beyond MYSO, Chee Chee is actively involved in her family business, where she has gained valuable experience in business management, strategic planning and community engagement. She also serves actively in her local church, reflecting her commitment to serving others and building strong communities.
Vice President : Nur Syazeleen Mustafa
Nur Syazeleen Mustafa is an experienced violin and viola educator who has dedicated many years to nurturing young musicians. In addition to serving as MYSO’s junior tutor, she plays an active role in guiding the organisation’s educational programmes and member development. Her patient and encouraging approach has helped many young musicians build confidence and establish strong musical foundations.
Secretary : Geraldine Tian Li Xian
Geraldine Tian Li Xian brings professional expertise from the engineering sector to the administration of MYSO. As Secretary, she oversees organisational governance, documentation and coordination, helping ensure the smooth operation of the orchestra’s programmes and activities.
Assistant Secretary : Dr. Ava Tay Gwak Mui
Dr Ava Tay Gwak Mui is a respected Consultant Paediatric Surgeon with over three decades of medical experience. She is widely recognised for her dedication to children’s healthcare. At MYSO, she contributes her professional expertise, leadership and commitment to youth development.
Treasurer : Khoo Siew Lin
With her legal and business background, Khoo Siew Lin lends legal, financial and strategic expertise to MYSO. As Treasurer, she oversees the organisation’s financial stewardship and governance, helping ensure that MYSO remains sustainable, accountable and well-positioned for future growth.
Committee Member: Karen Ho Sau Kwan
Karen Ho Sau Kwan is an active contributor to the local music and community scene. With experience in choral and community-based music initiatives, including work with Orang Asli choirs, she brings a strong passion for music outreach and community engagement to MYSO.
Committee Member: Chew Pay Chian
Driven by a passion for leadership, Pay Chian finds her true calling in mentoring young minds. Following a decade of teaching at the college level, she transitioned her focus toward music, children, and youth ministry. This rich background allows her to bring invaluable expertise to nurturing the next generation through music at the Melaka Youth String Orchestra.
Our Tutors
Good musical training goes beyond individual lessons. While traditional violin or cello classes focus on technique and solo development, orchestral training requires a different set of skills — listening, balance, timing and the ability to blend as part of a larger ensemble. At MYSO, our tutors guide students beyond individual playing, helping them develop the sensitivity and discipline needed to perform as a unified orchestra. This is where music transforms from notes on a page into something powerful, expressive and alive.
MYSO is guided by a professional violinist from Malaysia’s leading symphony orchestra in Kuala Lumpur. Drawing from his experience with a leading orchestra in Kuala Lumpur, he brings professional orchestral standards into Melaka, raising the level of training and performance to one that aspires towards international excellence. As Lead Tutor of MYSO, he oversees the musical development of the orchestra, guiding students beyond individual playing into true ensemble musicianship. His training emphasises listening, balance, tone production and cohesion — the essential elements that transform a group of players into an orchestra. His presence forms the backbone of MYSO’s musical direction, bridging the gap between learning and real-world orchestral experience.
Working closely with the younger musicians, Ms Syazeleen Mustafa plays an essential role in shaping the foundation upon which the orchestra is built. She is a founding member of MYSO and an accomplished violinist/violist who continues to play an integral role in the orchestra while leading the development of its younger musicians. With over a decade of performing and teaching experience, she has appeared in orchestras and ensembles across Malaysia and the region, including Thailand, Taiwan and Singapore, and was part of the Cambodian premiere of Puccini’s Madama Butterfly with the Phnom Penh Philharmonic. Her exposure to diverse ensembles and mentorship under respected musicians has shaped her strong musical sensitivity and understanding of ensemble playing. At MYSO, she works closely with junior members, building solid technical foundations and confidence, and guiding them towards becoming expressive and disciplined ensemble players.
MYSO is further elevated by the involvement of Prof. Bartosz Woroch, an internationally acclaimed violinist and educator, with a distinguished career spanning major concert stages, recordings and teaching institutions across Europe. A prizewinner of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition, he is recognised for his refined artistry, depth of interpretation and versatility as both a soloist and chamber musician. As a guest tutor with MYSO, he brings this global perspective directly to the orchestra, offering intensive coaching and mentorship that challenges students to rise beyond technical ability and into true artistic expression. Through his workshops and coaching, students are challenged to move beyond technique, developing a deeper sense of musical expression, interpretation and individuality.