06 November 2025
Congratulations to Phillip Tufu Cheng (treble) who has been named the Vocal Section Winner in the 2025 Young Virtuoso Awards, presented by community radio station 5MBS as part of the Australian Fine Music Network. Phillip is also the youngest performer in the 35-year history of the Awards.
The Young Virtuoso Awards recognise some of Australia’s most promising young musicians, with contestants drawn from the best Adelaide Eisteddfod finalists to perform for prizes across four categories: piano, string, wind and voice. Phillip’s performance impressed adjudicators with his exceptional vocal maturity and musical expression.
This latest success follows Phillip’s receipt of the Grace Barbara Turner Award for Excellence in Performance from the Music Teachers’ Association of South Australia. A passionate and accomplished young singer, Phillip has performed widely — as soloist with the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra in Christmas Unwrapped (2023), and with State Opera South Australia as First Spirit in The Magic Flute (2025).
Phillip began formal singing lessons at age six and joined the St Peter’s Cathedral Choir the following year, becoming its youngest new member. His achievements also include first prize in the 2022 Charleston International 17th Century Music Competition and multiple top prizes in the Adelaide Eisteddfod Vocal Division (2024–2025).
Phillip will now represent South Australia at the National Young Virtuoso Award Final on Sunday 23 November at St John’s Church, Halifax Street.
