Melbourne, Australia
Evan Widjaja (b. 2008) is a Melbourne-based composer and cellist whose work blends classical traditions with cinematic and game music influences. Currently studying at the Victorian College of the Arts Secondary School (VCASS), he undertakes first-study cello with Josephine Vains and second-study composition under Stefan Cassomenos. Evan’s compositions have been recognised both nationally and internationally. In 2025, he was selected for the Juilliard Summer Composition Program, where his work Scherzo Rachenitsa premiered at the Juilliard School's Morse Hall. His String Quintet No. 1, characterised by irregular meters and playful structure, was awarded the 2024 David Henkel's Composition Award by the Musical Societies of Victoria. He has also been acknowledged by the Music Arrangers Guild of Australia for his orchestration and arranging work, earning a Certificate of Merit Membership for his brass band adaptation of Puccini’s Musetta’s Waltz. His orchestral writing, including the symphonic piece Riding the Waves and the Short Pieces for Orchestra collection has also won 2nd prize at the 4th edition of the World's Best Musicians competition. While he maintains an active performance life as a cellist, composition remains at the core of Evan’s creative identity. He is particularly interested in bridging cultural influences through music, drawing on both his Indonesian heritage and classical training to create works that are contemporary, expressive, and deeply personal.