“I treasure all my audiences. Understanding where they travelled to in their imagination while listening to me play…I feel like the audience’s imagination actually completes my music.” – Yun Cai

In 2020, as our next chosen Wonder Woman of Malta says, “the whole world learned it’s okay for life to slow down a little”. Some people used this new scenario to learn a new language, some picked up paintbrushes and embraced creativity, others immersed themselves in exercise – and some baked like maniacs and drank a whole wine cellar (I’ve no idea who did this).  

Yun Cai sat down at her piano in her apartment, put self expression (and two decades of classical training) into practice and “started creating non-stop”. Her journey into piano improvisation – creating new music live rather than reciting rehearsed sheet music – had begun. 

The outcome? In just four years, Yun has made a name for herself with her gift for spontaneous composition. She has mesmerised audiences in and beyond Malta with her sound, and wowed them with visual experiences that are increasingly ambitious in design and scope – including almost getting blown off a building. No joke. 

SHE Malta cofounder Sass and I have been lucky enough to witness Yun’s talent on a few occasions. More recently, I interviewed her as our third Wonder Woman of Malta. You’re in for a treat and some surprises…

1.  You started classical piano training at just four years old and achieved Level 10 proficiency by 15. Was this led by your own request or more by family members/school?
I have loved music for as long as I can remember as both my father and grandfather had great musical talent so I think it’s in my family’s blood. In fact my name in Chinese means melody and rhythm so that says it all! I first started playing keyboard aged 3 and by age 5, I had already passed grade 8 and was learning quickly. The suggestion for me to start playing the piano came from my teacher, and my family has fully encouraged and supported this through the years.

2. What were these piano playing years were like:
i) How frequently did you play?
I played every day and was the lead pianist in my class.

ii) Were there teaching styles you did (and did not) respond to/prefer more than others?
I received very strict and classical training. I guess the rigid part is something no child enjoys that much. Also the daily set practice isn’t so easy for a kid who just loves to play.

iii) Did you have a particular mentor or teacher that was instrumental (excuse the pun) in your continued piano playing, discipline, love for this musical form?
Yes, I’ve had a few piano mentors and teachers at different stages in my 15 years of training as a student’s mentoring requirements change according to their skills development. They are all outstanding performers and professors. I remember one was too strict and never laughed(!) but she was extremely professional and paid great attention to details. I also had a younger teacher who was very laid back, talented and a John Lennon fan. They both influenced me in different ways.

iv) Did you – or were you allowed to – pursue other hobbies/interests outside of piano playing? If so, tell us a bit about this.
I had many other interests and hobbies: basketball, tennis, ballet, folk dance, theatre and poetry classes. I also used to draw a lot and attended competitions. It was a very broad reach of studies and education which I think all played crucial parts once I started creating and playing my own shows later in life.

v) Do you play any other instruments?
Organ and drums…loved them!

3. After moving to Malta, you had the reality of working and earning an income.
i) What exactly led you back to the ivory keys?
It was thanks to Covid actually … The whole world learned that it is okay for life to slow down a little. I finally had the time and space to look introspectively and I started creating non-stop. The whole thing just kept growing. It was the best thing that could have happened.

ii) Did you have your piano sent from China or did you buy it in Malta?
Malta as there are many good piano options here.

4. How has your Chinese heritage influenced your music, and how does it blend with the European and Maltese cultural elements you’ve encountered?
I didn’t think too much about my Chinese heritage when going into neo-classical piano composition but focused more on my personal feelings and connection to this world. But I guess the fact that I’m from China will always exert a certain influence on me in different ways, for example, choosing improvisation as the key component of my art expression. We have thousands of years of history of Chinese musicians who improvised via ancient instruments; it was quite common among musicians going back in time.

5. Performing a recital is already skilful but you are an improvisation performer – a whole other level of talent. 

i) What inspired and continues to inspire your improv compositions and performances?
For me, it’s the most natural, comfortable and authentic way of expressing what I’m feeling right there in that very moment. But also…maybe two decades of memorising sheet music became tiring and I wanted something different. For me, it’s hard to get 100% invested and be fully present with my musical touch if I’m having to use half my brain energy to recall memorised music instead of focusing on my technique and composing music myself.
 
ii) Given that you are performing a brand new piece each time, could you describe your process when preparing for a new collaboration or event?
Great question! I only play in venues that inspire me in one way or another, whether that’s in terms of their physical space, history, architecture, the people I’m collaborating with. But also, each space has its own energy and a venue’s attraction can lie simply in this energy…so sometimes, I’m just drawn to the aura I pick up from a particular space. I’ll spend hours and days inside the venue, spending time with everyone involved before my actual show to soak up all the ideas and energy. Every show I do is different so I’m highly involved in the entire creation process – it’s not the ‘plug and play’ style of doing things.

6. Have you had to make any sacrifices for the sake of pursuing your passion?
I prefer to look at it as making adjustments or commitments rather than sacrifices as this is something that truly resonates with me and enriches my life in numerous ways. Yes it does involve constant travelling, late nights, weekends without any breaks, exhaustion from jetlag, pre-show nerves, uncertainty and worry. Each concert relies on numerous logistical elements working together correctly and on time, and so many things can go wrong during a show. The audience doesn’t see the behind-the-scenes energy and work that goes into practising, recording, creating and crafting ideas, social media promotion, marketing and communications, photography, filming and editing. Not to mention the personal fear you have to overcome on a daily basis…the list goes on! I relate art a lot with sports actually; it’s extremely tough, highly demanding and totally unpredictable.

7. What challenges have you faced in balancing your artistry with other commitments, and how have you overcome them?
I don’t ‘balance’ with other commitments…the artistry always comes first. Everything else has to fit around it or adapt to it.

8. You’ve created some incredible moments including 2024’s Tempietto Serenade at Villa Frère Valletta, 2022’s Carla Grima Silk in Motion fashion show at Palazzo Parisio and of course, your 2021 inaugural performance at Phoenicia Hotel.

i) Can you name some other places/performances/collaborations?
 I’ve performed over 30 shows in China and Asia in the last two years which I did not expect at all so I’m truly grateful for each and every experience and how things turned out.

ii) Do you have a favourite venue, collaboration or highlight of your career so far?
One of the many special ones was a 2024 series that combined exhibition, live concert and audience participation. Over 11 different multidisciplinary artists – including calligraphers, painters, illustrators, sound designers – were invited to participate in one of my live concerts at a 100 year-old gallery (built by Australian architect Arthur Purnell). These artists were set up in the gallery’s corners away from the audience’s view, to create their art synchronised with listening to my live music. After the concert, artists had 10 days to finalise their work and then all the concert-related art pieces were exhibited inside the gallery for over a month on one dedicated floor while my music concept was played on another floor. At the same time, many of my Malta-based shows were presented on different screens in video format. Meanwhile, the third floor aired the documentaries we had filmed with the various artists and architects over the month of preparation. Finally, the last room was a space for the audience members to draw their own pieces after the exhibition to be subsequently hung in the gallery. Over 45 days, we collected more than 300 art pieces, all inspired by the show and exhibition concept. So the end result was: My improvised music → Art creation → Music + Art exhibition → Audience creation + exhibition. I still can’t believe it happened and that I witnessed my music creating such a ripple effect.

iii) What was the most difficult, challenging, intense performance (if you’re willing to share)?
I did an open air, sunrise (4:15 am) performance by the sea on a rooftop once. I was exhausted from doing two shows the previous night and getting barely three hours sleep; I hadn’t even removed my makeup or hairstyle as there was literally no time to do fresh hair and makeup for this next show. What’s more, the weather totally changed just hours before my performance and the temperature dropped to eight degrees. The whole time I was playing, there were non-stop cold winds, so strong that they sounded the same volume as my piano, made my head hurt and left me barely able to open my eyes and see the keys. The audience all had thick blankets while I had half frozen fingers – yet I somehow had to find a way to co-exist with the weather and still create a beautiful melody on the spot for 40 minutes. To top things off, I nearly got blown off the stairs, trying to come down from the roof and all the staff were freaking out. So THAT was definitely an experience! I actually don’t regret it but I don’t think I’ll do it again haha.

9. You have dramatic stories about the transport of your piano to different venues for your performances and the sheer logistical effort involved. Can you tell us some of these stories?
Many times it involves high-ups, trucks, six to eight men carrying it through different cracks and angles… One time, I was doing a performance in a garden and we built a stage specially for it. The movers threw a tantrum two hours before the show and refused to carry the piano from the garden path onto the stage, trying to leave it in the middle of the road. Obviously I managed to convince them as there is no other choice. It’s a non-negotiable situation I have to go through every time to make sure the show goes on and the magic of the concert is preserved. And that’s just one logistic out of many!

10. Do you see your work as contributing to Malta’s cultural or artistic scene? If so, how?
All of the local shows I’ve done are inspired by architecture, ideas, stories, spaces specifically connected to Malta. Since I started this journey, I have received many generous compliments and support that I’m immensely grateful for. I feel like the scene here is very open and encouraging and I keep seeing many familiar and new faces at my Malta shows. I would like to use this opportunity to say how much I treasure all my audiences. They make everything worthwhile, especially when they share their feelings and thoughts with me after a concert. This is actually my favourite part – understanding where they travelled to in their imagination while listening to me play…I feel like the audience’s imagination actually completes my music.

11. Do you have any advice – based on your own experience – for youngsters who are interested in learning to play the piano?
Only play if you truly love music and love to play. Find the way that suits you the best, rather than the best way to play.

12. Are there any unfulfilled dreams or projects you’re hoping to pursue in the next few years?
There are quite a few on the list and I’m really excited for the right moments to present themselves. I have been wanting to collaborate with a harpist and marimba player to create musical pieces together. If you know of any, please reach out to me?.

13. Any thoughts about being chosen as a Wonder Woman of Malta?
I’m the third person to have been chosen as a Wonder Woman of Malta which is definitely an honour and  I’m very excited to be a part of this. Together with many other wonder women alongside me, I can’t wait to continue my musical journey with this special community you guys created throughout all these years. Thank you with all my heart! 

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An ability to create melody on the spot, a growing repertoire of performances, a boldness for rocking beautifully audacious fashion and a collaborative spirit make Yun Cai a worthy choice as Wonder Woman of Malta.

(Also, bravery in the name of art. Seriously, did you READ Number 8?)

My motto is that there’s no substitute for hard work. When parents, clubs and girls catch on to this, it drives change and brings a lot of good things to the table.

Stephanie Tanti Desjardins’ entry into water polo was slightly unconventional. Originally a handball player, her first taste of water polo came after a friend suggested a way for Stephanie to stay active during handball’s off-season. Despite not being a strong swimmer initially, she showed goalkeeping potential which was recognised by the coach. A spark had been ignited…Stephanie soon found herself trading the dry handball court for the water polo pool. This unexpected beginning sparked a passion that has only grown stronger with time and “the rest is history,” as she reflects.

I had the recent pleasure of talking to Stephanie about her journey and the strides she and San Giljan Aquatic Sports Club are making to grow women’s water polo in Malta.

1.  Who inspires you today, both in water polo and beyond?
I’m inspired by overseas female water polo players who balance motherhood with competing at club and Olympic level. Women with a strong work ethic light a fire in me to get up and work harder.

2. What are some of the biggest achievements you and your team have had in recent years?
Winning the Knockout in 2022 stands out along with San Giljan Aquatic Sports Club’s current project: working on building the girls water polo nursery (7-13 years) which is coming along really well.

3. How do you balance training, competitions, parenthood and advocating for water polo’s development while also maintaining your love for the game and preventing burnout?
Good question. It is not easy! When my son turned 6 weeks, I was cleared to get back in the water with my team and within four months, I was back in the national team squad. It wasn’t easy but it wasn’t impossible, thanks to my husband who is my support system. And just having understanding people around me is key to avoiding the overwhelm of managing everything with a young child.

4. Do you think women bring unique qualities to water polo that aren’t always recognised – and how can female strengths help push the sport forward in Malta?
Women do bring a certain passion to the game and yes, it is not always recognised. Women’s water polo is quite new in Malta so people need to understand the ‘positive story’ behind less positive national team results. We have determined female players eager to learn and progress in a short space of time. Thank goodness the sport has evolved since I started playing. 

5. What do you think are the most important steps to ensure that women’s water polo gets crucial grassroots, community and club support?
Schools need to introduce water sports into their curriculum by partnering with water polo clubs and the Sport Malta council to give girls a proper chance to engage with this sport. This is one of my current projects: in October we’ll have five days of morning sessions where over 350 students from two different schools will try water polo out during school hours.

6. What role can media, businesses and local institutions play in ensuring more people see, appreciate and support women’s water polo?
Media plays a big role. Recently the ladies U19 national team competed overseas and nothing was shown on TV whereas the U19 boys received full coverage. This inequality needs to be addressed –  and asap. We’re also seeking sponsorship from local businesses to support the team because financial backing is instrumental in making everything work.

7. Please tell us about the vision behind San Giljan ASC’s three-year plan to compete at an international level (and what it could/would mean for women’s water polo in Malta)?
“We’re investing significant time and effort on building the team from nursery to senior level. When a club shows commitment to player development, it generates interest from other clubs and players. Our players share our vision and work harder (and this helps attract international players). Of course, women’s water polo first has to reach a high enough level to properly compete internationally – and not simply compete for the sake of participating. This is a collective effort, with the players, coach, and club all working together to make this dream a reality.”

8. Apart from this 3 year plan, how else is San Giljan ASC contributing to the advancement of senior women’s water polo – and inspiring young girls to take up water polo?
“Some of our senior team players have started coaching within the newly founded nursery, inspiring the next generation of players. When youngsters have role models to look up to, this automatically instils a work ethic and ambition to follow in their footsteps.”

9. What has been the response from your nursery younger players and how do you see their involvement shaping the future of women’s water polo in Malta?
“This summer we took to the San Giljan Festa, distributing flyers offering a month of free water polo sessions for girls and ran a social media initiative that attracted 20 sign-ups for September. The newcomers loved the sessions, resulting in 13 confirmed registrations at the nursery level. It  demonstrated the importance of embracing opportunities to reach out to the community. I’m really proud of the campaign and the women who helped from the start.”

10. How do you strike a balance between encouraging a competitive spirit within water polo beginners and ensuring the sport remains fun for these young girls?
“Making sessions enjoyable is key. Our coach Marko Martinic creates a fun, positive atmosphere while also instilling discipline and order. Kids respect structure more than we think, but they also want to enjoy the sport. It’s vital to their continued enjoyment of the sport.”

11. San Giljan ASC actively fosters a sense of ownership and pride among players of all ages. Have you noticed this culture’s positive impact on player development and club success?
“There’s definitely a ripple effect. Entrusting part of the team with nursery level coaching has created a sense of belonging and pride in the club. As team manager, I give everyone the space to talk freely and when players are interested in greater responsibility, it shouldn’t be ignored. (We also have two senior level players who play abroad during the winter, providing our young players with aspirations for when they’ve fully developed their skills here in Malta.)”

12. What can local players learn from international players that you’re planning to add to the team?
“Training and playing alongside higher level athletes automatically sharpens your focus and elevates your  game. San Giljan ASC brings in international talent during the summer who share their expertise and teach our players as many tricks of the trade as possible.”

13. How will the club ensure Malta retains the local talent it has nurtured and minimise the loss of talented players to clubs abroad?
Every club needs to focus on developing female players from a young age. Once this strong grassroots setup is established, we won’t find ourselves impacted by players going abroad, moving out of the sport or retiring. Ideally, players will aspire from early on to play abroad, they’ll grow and develop until they reach the point where they’re ready to be sent overseas and meanwhile their club continues to thrive. 

14. There is a lot of talk globally about the value of playing for one’s national team versus what  players actually get paid. What is your perspective on playing for Malta’s national women’s water polo team and what does it mean to represent your country?
It’s every player’s dream to represent their own country. It was mine and I played for Malta with pride but there’s no financial agreement for female water polo players. I believe this needs to change, especially considering the time, energy and risk of injury involved. Players dedicate countless hours to training to represent their country and at senior level, there surely has to be some form of incentive through sponsorship or endorsements. This exists in sport elsewhere so why is it viewed as a shame or dishonour when it comes to Maltese sport?

15. As one of Malta’s key figures in women’s water polo, what motivates you to keep pushing for progress amidst a historically male-dominated sport?
An easy one for me: if a woman doesn’t push for equality, who will? It’s an uphill battle but I continue to strive for this. I speak openly about the inequality and these conversations crucially raise awareness of the issue. It absolutely does need to change!

16. As someone featured in the Wonder Women of Malta series, which celebrates the women working to influence and shape Malta’s future, how do you see your role in changing the narrative around women in sports?
I’m honoured yet humbled to be considered. As a player, I always believed in doing things the right way. Now as team manager and nursery coordinator, I hold a precious key to unlocking the changes I longed for so much as a player. I’m committed to convincing those around me that things have the potential to be different by just being open to some simple changes. I know how I felt about the inequality I experienced firsthand in sport. So my mission is to ensure my players don’t ever have to feel that way. My motto is that there’s no substitute for hard work. When parents, clubs and girls catch on to this, it drives change and brings a lot of good things to the table.

17. The United Nations has chosen “Girls’ vision for the future” as this year’s International Day of the Girl theme. If you could give one piece of advice to a young girl interested in pursuing water polo – or any sport! – in Malta, what would it be?
Have fun, work hard and reach for the stars. Never be ashamed to shine!

The passion and determination Stephanie brings to women’s water polo – supported by her teammates, family, and community – are the constants that keep driving her forward. As a leading advocate for the sport, the San Giljan ASC alumnus has transitioned from saving goals to setting them… Her commitment to raising the next generation of female water polo players in Malta, empowering them to flourish on the local and international stage, firmly establishes her as a Wonder Woman of Malta.