Renowned international pianist delivers ‘masterclass’ for Tonbridge musicians

Professor Eleanor Wong, one of Hong Kong’s foremost musicians, came to the School on Friday (1 March) to give a piano masterclass to five students.

Henry, Toby, Calvin, Sebastian and Ben had the opportunity to perform compositions by Gershwin, Rachmaninov, Brahms and Ravel to an invited audience of parents, staff and boys. Professor Wong then gave her expert feedback and advice.

The masterclass, held in conjunction with the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition, was held in Big School. Among the audience were Gilford Law and Amy Wong, Director General and one of the Deputy Director Generals of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (London).

Mark Forkgen, Tonbridge’s Director of Music, said: “It was a great honour to have a musician of Professor Wong’s international calibre coaching our boys, and her masterclass was simply inspirational. I was impressed, too, with the generous time she gave to each student, and with her ability to pinpoint the aspects of each performance that needed more work.”

Many of Professor Wong’s pupils have won top prizes in major international and local competitions. She has hosted lectures and workshops in many countries including the US, China, Poland, Singapore and Thailand, and is a frequent juror for various international piano competitions.

Winner of the silver medal at the Viotti International Competition Italy, she has given broadcasts and recitals in the UK (including Wigmore Hall and the Purcell Room in London), Hong Kong, and the US. She is Artist-in-Residence (keyboard) at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and is a Visiting Professor at the Shenzhen School of Arts and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.