Penang-born pianist Vincent Ong has brought much pride to the nation after he was named the fifth place winner at the 19th International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, Poland.
For the uninitiated, the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition is held every five years in Warsaw around Oct 17 to commemorate the anniversary of Chopin’s passing.
Largely known as the “Olympics” of classical piano competition, the event drew a total of 642 applicants, with only 162 getting shortlisted and 84 making to the main rounds.
Tied for fifth place with Polish competitor
The news was announced on Ong’s Facebook page ‘Vincent Ong Music Project’, which is managed by his mother Sue Sudarak.
A huge bonus for Vincent to get the 5th Prize. He aimed to only get in the finals. Well done Vincent! We are really proud of him and truly love his music!” she wrote in the caption.
Ong shared fifth place with Poland’s Piotr Alexewicz, while Eric Lu of the United States was crowned champion and took home €60,000 (about RM305,000) and a gold medal funded by the President of Poland.
The 24-year-old made headlines after he successfully made it to the finals, making him the first Malaysian to do so.
Ong, who showed his musical prowess at the tender age of four, is no stranger to taking part in prestigious piano competitions and is a former winner of the 19th International Robert Schumann Competition and a fellow of the Lieven International Piano Foundation in Vienna.
He also teaches at the Märkisch-Oderland District Music School in Petershagen, Berlin.
Congratulations to Vincent on his win and thank you for making all Malaysians (and Penangites) proud!
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