Interview: Vincent Ong – 5th Prize Winner & First Malaysian Finalist at the 19th International Chopin Piano Competition
Vincent Ong made history at the Chopin Competition 2025, becoming the first Malaysian pianist to reach the finals of the International Chopin Piano Competition. The piano prodigy secured 5th prize at the prestigious 19th Chopin Competition in Warsaw, captivating audiences with his exceptional musicality and choice of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano.
Vincent Ong’s performance on the Shigeru Kawai full concert grand piano drew praise from Chopin Competition finalists 2025 and audiences alike. His impressions of the instrument reveal why this piano has become a favorite among professional pianists at the world’s most demanding piano competitions.
In this exclusive interview, Vincent Ong shares his thoughts on his historic achievement, his experience with the Shigeru Kawai piano, and his plans as a young concert pianist.
Winning 5th Prize at the Chopin Competition 2025
How did you feel about winning the prize?
Of course, I’m very happy. It’s an honor to reach so far because I’ve never thought that I would get the final. I thought maybe the second round would be maximum. My final stage performance was very fun because I got to play with an orchestra and a conductor, and somehow I enjoyed. I was nervous a bit but I was more excited. Despite some mistakes or memory issues, I felt that I could enjoy to play on stage!
What are your impressions of the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX full concert grand piano?
For me, I thought that the Shigeru Kawai piano was so great for me. It fits me well. I thought that I could express myself with it. I didn’t know how it could do. This instrument helped me! With the variety of touch, I could somehow control the attack and release the speed easily and without much effort. I don’t mean like something heavy or light, but more like the control for me was somehow. Also the sound is very warm and fits Chopin’s music a lot! I think that the instrument gives the music some character, too. It’s a not just me, the instrument itself is very special! It has warm, but also it is not too weak, it sounds can projects well. I mean I heard some feedback from some friends or those who listened in the hall, and they said they could hear truly even if I played like pianissimo or no matter what range, so I could feel like to play in such a wide range. Of course, that might also have to do with the hall, but I was really satisfied. The Shigeru Kawai piano matched the hall, and it also matches me. Sometimes when you play on the piano and if you feel like that the piano is bad, you don’t really enjoy playing. But, for me, Shigeru Kawai inspired me. So it’s not just a piano, it helps me with the sounds and ideas while playing. So I felt like I wasn’t fighting with the piano. Sometimes you have to try so hard to control the piano, but I thought it was opposite for me, Kawai’s piano was helping me. So far, I have played Shigeru Kawai only once, in this June, when I was in masterclass at Kawai France.
What are your plans for future activities and further challenges?
First, I want to learn more about the life of a concert pianist – working with agencies, travelling, performing concerts, recordings, managing PR etc.; while at the same time, having the balance to practice piano, enjoy music and grow musically. Then, maybe in the distant future, I would be interested in getting better at teaching.
Vincent Ong’s Performance in the Final Round
Vincent Ong’s historic achievement at the Chopin Competition 2025 marks a milestone for Malaysian classical music. His thoughtful approach to Chopin’s piano concerto in E minor and his partnership with the Shigeru Kawai SK-EX concert grand piano demonstrated the warm, projecting tone that captivated audiences at the Warsaw Philharmonic. As this young pianist from Penang continues to develop his artistry, the classical piano world eagerly anticipates his future performances.