Ong represented Malaysia, along with other finalists from China, Japan, the United States, Canada, Poland and Georgia. — Courtesy photo
THE feat of becoming the first Malaysian to reach the finals of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition has brought much excitement to the home state of Penang-born pianist Vincent Ong.
Held every five years in Warsaw, Poland, the competition is one of the world’s most prestigious classical music events.
Ong, 24, was placed fifth in the final round of the 19th edition that took place from Oct 18 to 20.
The Penang Philharmonic Orchestra (PPO) chair Datin Seri Irene Yeap said Ong’s success had created a stir not only among music enthusiasts but also the wider Penang community.
“All Penangites are excited as he has put the state on the world map. Many people have contacted us, even those not involved in the music industry, to express their pride.
“It was a joy to watch Ong perform. He completely lost himself in the music during the competition.
“For almost an hour, he performed on a world-class stage without a score, which was a remarkable feat,” she said.
PPO board member Datuk Danny Goon said Ong’s achievement in reaching the finals was an extraordinary feat in itself.
Vincent Ong
“Being among the top finalists is as good as winning first prize, as performances at that level can be subjective,” he said.
Goon recalled that PPO had known and supported Ong for almost 10 years.
“He performed a solo concert by PPO in Penang in 2018.
“Even at 17, he showed maturity beyond his years and was already devoted to becoming a professional musician,” he said.
Penang DAP Wanita chief and Berapit assemblyman Heng Lee Lee congratulated Ong, and said his success was a testament to his talent and perseverance as well as a reflection of Penang’s rich cultural heritage.
“He has made Malaysia’s name resound on one of the most prestigious classical music stages in the world.
“Penang is not only a city of food and heritage but also a place that nurtures world-class artists,” she said in a statement.
Heng also called for stronger support for arts education, adding that Ong’s achievement should inspire more Malaysian youths to believe in their potential and pursue their dreams.
Ong was among 11 pianists shortlisted for the final stage, emerging from a rigorous selection process that began with 642 applicants from 28 countries.
Of these, 171 advanced to the preliminary rounds before the final 11 were chosen to perform before an international jury.
The finalists represented China, Japan, the United States, Canada, Poland, Georgia and Malaysia.
Ong competed alongside acclaimed young musicians such as Kevin Chen of Canada, Eric Lu of the US and Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz.
In the final round, each pianist was required to perform two iconic works by Polish composer Fryderyk Chopin, including the celebrated Polonaise-Fantaisie (Op. 61), as well as a piano concerto of their choice, accompanied by the Warsaw National Philharmonic Orchestra.
Ong performed on a Shigeru Kawai piano.
Established in 1927, the Chopin Competition is renowned for launching international musical careers and remains one of the few major contests devoted entirely to a single composer, demanding both technical mastery and personal interpretation of Chopin’s works.
Past winners included Maurizio Pollini, Martha Argerich and Krystian Zimerman.
Following the award, Ong said he was honoured to represent Malaysia but emphasised that “music transcends nationality”.
“Of course, it matters that I’m the first Malaysian to reach the finals of the competition.
“But it does not matter in the sense that all people, irrespective of their origin, love music,” he said.
Born in 2001, Ong began playing the piano at the age of four.
A former choir accompanist at SMJK Heng Ee, he showed early promise in local competitions before pursuing formal music studies in Germany.
There, he trained under renowned musicians and performed across Europe’s concert circuits.
Ong has also represented Malaysia at various international piano festivals and masterclasses.
His final performance in Warsaw was streamed on the Chopin Institute’s official YouTube channel.
