The Homecoming Concert of a Virtuoso: Jet Chong’s Nuances

A homecoming ultimately carries power. For pianist Jet Chong, each of his visits to Manila means something more than a concert—it’s a return to the land where he started. Having Filipino-Chinese ancestry, Jet has a profound affection for and bond with the traditions, cultures, and individuals that influenced his life. And now, after creating a stir on global platforms ranging from Singapore’s conservatories to Chicago’s Dame Myra Hess Concert Series, he ultimately returns home—this time, not just as an artist, but as a representative of a collective identity, eager to contribute through music that transcends boundaries and conventions.

Jet's beginnings were rooted in discipline, modesty, and a profound passion for music—principles interlaced with the cultural essence of his Filipino-Chinese background. Growing up in a home that valued scholarly achievement and creative endeavors, he began his music education early.

“I’ve been studying abroad for about six years: four at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory in Singapore, and two at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.”

Even before that, Jet was used to living away from home, having spent his junior high years at the Philippine High School for the Arts before transferring to Chiang Kai Shek College for senior high.

His long-time mentor in the Philippines, Prof. Anthony Say, laid the foundation for his musicianship, instilling strong musical values and a rigorous work ethic. In Singapore, under the guidance of Prof. Albert Tiu, Jet’s playing was refined artistically, and he learned to express his musical ideas with greater clarity. At Indiana, working with Prof. Spencer Myer opened new dimensions in his approach to sound, technique, and artistic freedom.

“He helped me find ways to produce the right sound with minimal physical tension, while always encouraging me to shape my own voice. He motivates through trust and encouragement—something I admire and hope to carry into my own teaching.”

His skill, combined with unwavering commitment, swiftly propelled him to national recognition. He received First Prize in NAMCYA Category C, the Philippines’ most esteemed music competition.

Jet's journey as an artist progressed through a full scholarship at Singapore's Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. While accolades matter, Jet's recent performance at Chicago's prestigious Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series showcased something more profound: a Filipino pianist making his way to global stages with a depth rooted in his cultural heritage.

Of course, no journey comes easily. Jet shared that he encountered challenging situations throughout his studies, and one of them was dealing with imposter syndrome.

“Being surrounded by such high-level musicians abroad, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others. No matter how much I practice or improve, it can feel like there’s always someone better. I’ve come to accept that, which has led me to develop other skills to become more well-rounded—like collaborating with others, teaching, and even arts administration. These areas not only complement my growth as a musician but also equip me with tools to contribute meaningfully to the music world beyond performance.”

For his Manila homecoming on June 1, 2025, Jet has chosen a trio of pieces that mirror his artistic voice: layered, expressive, and emotionally intelligent. He opens with Beethoven’s Sonata No. 27, a work of quiet intensity and spiritual depth. He follows with Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, a fiendish technical challenge disguised in charm and wit, requiring not only clarity of fingerwork but lightness of soul. He closes with Brahms’s Fantasies, Op. 116—a set of miniature masterpieces that range from stormy to sublime.

Jet’s upcoming program, titled Nuances, includes Beethoven’s Sonata Op. 90, Ravel’s Le Tombeau de Couperin, and Brahms’s Fantasies, Op. 116. Though the name was suggested by one of the concert organizers, Jet agrees it captures the spirit of the music perfectly. For Jet, this program is not just a showcase of skill, but of restraint, refinement, and emotional depth.

“My aim is to present my personal interpretation—my response to both what the composers wrote and what they implied between the lines—using these nuances to elevate and enhance the music’s inherent beauty.”

Unlike themed recitals, Nuances wasn’t crafted around a central narrative. He shared that aside from his undergraduate senior recital, he does not usually program his concerts with a specific theme in mind. Most of the pieces are drawn from works prepared for school, competitions, or auditions. But for this concert, Jet consciously selected composers he felt compelled to explore more deeply.

“I hadn’t previously played any major solo works by Brahms or Ravel, nor had I studied a relatively late Beethoven sonata—so this was my way of filling those gaps in my repertoire. Looking ahead, I want to continue expanding my range by exploring composers like Prokofiev, Shostakovich, Bartók, and Medtner, as well as delving into Romantic-era sonatas. I also hope to invest time in performing more Asian-composed works, particularly Filipino pieces. There’s such a rich repertoire that deserves more recognition, and I believe in celebrating living composers just as much as the great masters of the past. Eventually, I hope to build an extensive and versatile repertoire that will allow me to create more thematically curated programs.”

Despite his global achievements, Jet remains committed to his role as a cultural and educational ambassador. After completing his Master’s degree in Piano Performance at Indiana University Bloomington, he is about to begin his Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) at the University of Georgia’s Hugh Hodgson School of Music.

Recently, he was awarded a Graduate Assistantship for Interdisciplinary Arts Research, allowing him to lead creative projects that bring together different art forms. Though it may seem like a non-traditional path for a pianist, it reflects his immense enthusiasm for becoming an artist and leader.

“At the moment, I’m focused on my doctoral studies and on bringing ideas that I have long kept in the back of my mind into reality, so competitions are not my top priority, though I remain open to participating if the opportunity aligns with my goals. As for returning to the Philippines, I’m always eager to contribute to the local music scene in any way I can—through concerts, masterclasses, outreach programs, or collaborations. But for now, I believe staying abroad will best support my long-term development as both a musician and arts administrator.”

Jet has participated in many benefit concerts and outreach programs. He used these as a form of service, particularly for under-resourced communities across Southeast Asia. In his homecoming to Manila, he carries with him not just a world-class performance, but a deep sense of gratitude to the communities that shaped him.

When asked what advice he would give to young classical pianists and musicians in the Philippines, he stresses the importance of practicing efficiently, while also being willing to explore other interests, build relationships, and remain hungry to learn and grow. He encourages applying every learning—whether in performance, teaching, or other endeavors. Jet Chong believes that a well-rounded life not only makes you a better artist, but also a more fulfilled human being.

“Keep an open mind and remain curious—not just in music, but in life as a whole. Curiosity broadens your perspective, leads to new experiences, and invites opportunities. If I could go back, I would have spent more time outside the practice room. There’s so much more to life than the piano, and no matter how many hours you practice, it won’t necessarily guarantee sustainability or success in the long run.”

Jet Chong will be performing live on June 1, 2025, at the Manila Pianos Showroom in his solo recital Nuances. The program will feature works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Ravel. For tickets and further details, please visit our events page. 

Photo courtesy of the Social Secretary of the Philippines.