Hailing from Borneo Island, Malaysian classical pianist Esme Wong has captivated global audiences with her profound musicianship. Starting in the 2024 season, she will be joining Landesbühnen Sachsen as Solokorrepetitorin. Her dynamic performances have graced stages across Asia, Europe, and North America, showcasing roles that encompass performer, director, and recital curator. United by an unwavering passion for music and a commitment to artistic excellence, Esme Wong continues to make her mark on the international music scene.

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Esme’s accolades are numerous, with The Dallas Morning News hailing her as an “adept collaborator…with vibrant urgency”.  Her musical odyssey has been punctuated by notable accomplishments that includes a repertoire that spans from classics to contemporary compositions, demonstrating her artistic versatility and virtuosity. 

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Her recent engagements further illuminated her artistry as she received an exclusive invitation to perform as a piano soloist at the Sarawak International Festival of Music and Arts, held within the prestigious Sarawak State Legislative Assembly.  Her innovative spirit and artistic depth are evidenced through her roles as Assistant Conductor and harpsichordist for the production of Le Nozze di Figaro by Red River Lyric Opera, audition pianist for The Dallas Opera, and her collaborative creation of the chamber music venture titled “Belonging: Homeland, Dream, Childhood” with the renowned Kimbell Art Museum and Fort Worth Opera. 

 

Esme has also been a selected performer in several distinguished programs, including her participation in Carnegie Hall’s SongStudio under the guidance of Renée Fleming. She was the Music Director for Nashville Opera’s Opera ON TOUR!  as a Mary Ragland Emerging Artist. In 2021, Esme's collaboration with the acclaimed mezzo-soprano Raehann Bryce-Davis for the New York Festival of Song Gala offered a glimpse into her dedication to the causes of social equality and diversity. A partnership with Das Blumelein Project led to her performance in The Elevator Season 2021-2022 at the iconic Winspear Opera House in the USA.

 

Esme's love of music began at a tender age, nurtured by the guidance of her mother, Sabrina Tnay. Her early talents received recognition through appearances at the Trinity College of London Awards and Concerts. A milestone arrived at the age of 14 when she achieved the esteemed Diploma Licentiate from Trinity College of London (LTCL). Chamber music ignited Esme's creative spirit during her tenure with the Malaysian Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (MPYO) at the age of 16. The following year led her to Italy under the Davis United World College Scholarship, a transformative experience that deepened her passion for chamber music.

 

Esme’s unique experience at United World College has kindled a deep inspiration from global social movements, propelling her to engage in community initiatives within Southeast Asia and the Balkan region. In the midst of the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, Esme’s online endeavor, #14DaysAsianCultureAwareness, achieved widespread acclaim, uniting listeners and earning recognitions from local and international news and radio platforms. 

 

Her collaborative passion extends to vocal and contemporary works, with engagements alongside world-renowned musicians such as Graham Johnson, Martin Katz, Jake Heggie, and Libby Larsen. Premieres of compositions by Robert Beaser and her direction of Vit Zuhar’s opera Coronide at the UNT Czech Music Festival demonstrate her affinity for collaborating with living composers.

 

Esme has also worked as staff pianist of Texas Woman’s University in addition to her collaboration with non-profit organizations like Aural Compass Projects. She holds a MM in Collaborative Piano from the University of North Texas and a B.A. from Luther College. Currently living in Dresden, Germany, Esme’s musical artistry remains a bridge across borders, enriching the community through her cultural influences, extensive collaborations, and dedicated advocacy.

"An adept collaborator… with vibrant urgency"

- The Dallas Morning News