Chow Shern Yeo

Malaysian composer Yeo Chow Shern is a graduate of the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore, where he refined his compositional voice. He first gained recognition in 2013 when he was named a laureate of the Young Composers Southeast Asia Competition with his work “What is a Tree?”. That same year, his first composition for solo bassoon and wind band, “The Bakul Siah,” was premiered by bassoonist Lim Teng Aik with the Tshung Tsin Wind Symphony under the baton of Ho Chee Kiang.

In 2014, his wind band piece “Celebration and Dance (Perayaan)” was premiered by the Symphonic Winds of the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Eric Lee at the Taiwan Chiayi City International Band Festival—where it received a standing ovation. In 2022, his Bunga Raya Concert March was premiered by the Philharmonic Winds of Malaysia, also under Eric Lee.

Chow Shern’s music has been published by Retset Mil Japan and distributed by Bravo/Brain Music. His recent works include Bloom of the Pink Trumpet Tree, Wau Bulan, Ikan Kekek (commissioned by the Malaysia Primary School Band Festival) and Tarian Overture, which was named a finalist in the 2024 WASBE (World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles) International Composition Competition.

Most recently, he composed “The Winds of Yong Peng,” commissioned by Yong Peng High School for the 29th Johor-Melaka High School Band Festival 2025. Dedicated to bands director, Mr. Chang Wen Jack, the piece reflects on Chow Shern’s continuous deep connection to the cultural vibrancy and heritage of Southeast Asia.