Mr Evan Setiawan

Evan Setiawan is a professional violinist, teacher, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. He is currently the String Coordinator at a private school on the Gold Coast. As a performer, Evan appears regularly with the Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra and DeepBlue Orchestra, and has built a career that spans international tours, world expos, and performances for heads of state.

Since completing his Bachelor of Music with Honours at the University of Queensland in 2007, Evan has performed across Australia, Asia, and the USA. His career highlights include representing Australia at the 2025 Osaka World Expo (Australian Pavilion) and performing at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games Arts Festival, and the 2020 Australian of the Year Awards live broadcast on national television. He has also entertained world leaders including past Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the Governor-General of Australia, the President of Vietnam, the Sultan of Malaysia, and the President of Taiwan, as well as performing at a private function for Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan.

Evan’s performance portfolio also includes major cultural festivals such as the Adelaide Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Brisbane Festival, and international appearances at festivals in Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, and the USA. In 2011, he reached the finals of Australia’s Got Talent, a milestone that reflected both his versatility and commitment to sharing music with broader audiences.

Born on the island of Java, Indonesia, Evan immigrated to Queensland in 1998 during the Southeast Asian financial crisis, supported by an Australian family. Soon after, he began learning the violin and at 17 was awarded the Norman Miller Violin Award by the city of Toowoomba.

Beyond the stage, Evan has collaborated and recorded for film soundtracks and leading Australian artists including Dami Im, Kate Miller-Heidke, John Butler Trio, and Marina Prior. In 2007, his classical piano trio won the 4MBS Chamber Music Award. Today, alongside his professional performances and teaching, Evan continues to share his love of music each weekend at a local church.