Born in Japan, Shuya Tanaka began his musical career as a pianist-cellist. Already at the age of 11 he became a finalist of the National Japan Classic Competition. He studied with Katsumi Sadakuni until his 14th.

​

He came in contact with Western music culture through a masterclass with the Flemish cellist Jan Sciffer. As a result, he moved to Belgium a year later to complete his cello studies. And with success, in 2012 he won first prize at the Belfius Classics Competition.

​

Higher music studies were continued at the Royal Conservatory of Antwerp with Justus Grimm. There he received a scholarship from the Antwerp Conservatory Foundation in 2016 for his eminent artistic achievements.

He graduated with summa cum laude.

In 2018 Shuya won 3rd prize in the international music competition 'Triomph de l'Art'.

​

Shuya has already attended several masterclasses with Daniel Müller-Schott, José Enrique Bouché, Gustav Rivinius and Jean-Guihen Queyras, among others.

​

Besides cello principal of the Frascati Symphonic, he is also active with the ASSAI Cello Quartet, Werther Piano Quartet, Ataneres Ensemble and the Inaudita Orchestra.