Jet Chong's Chamber Music Homecoming

On July 25, three of the Philippines' most decorated young musicians will walk onto the stage at Varlez Pianos in Greenhills and play Dvořák, Schubert, and Piazzolla together, with the trio building its entire program virtually, just pure video conferencing and voice notes exchange. As of writing, pianist Jet Chong has never met violinist Emanuel John "EJ" Villarin or cellist Damodar Das Castillo in person. 

“We haven't been able to rehearse in person yet, since not all of us are physically in Metro Manila at the moment. However, we have gotten in touch online and have begun exchanging ideas,” he shared.

Truly looking forward to their collaboration, Chong shared that he is confident of how the concert will turn out, despite not meeting them yet in person, knowing how exceptionally talented both of them are and how serious they are about their music and craft, just like he is.

Looking back, that confidence is truly earned. Chong, a Filipino-Chinese pianist, made his orchestral debut at 15 years old with the Manila Symphony Orchestra and has since then collected top prizes across competitions across Paris, London, Singapore, and the United States. This roster of awards includes the Grand Prize at the National Music Competition for Young Artists. Before landing at the University of Georgia, where he is now a year into his doctorate under Dr. Liza Stepanova,

He first underwent training at Singapore's Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music.

"It has been an incredible year," he says of his time in Georgia, tucked between a full course load, an assistantship, masterclasses, and performances. "I've been kept busy... it has been full of learning and growth." Ask him what comes after the doctorate and he demurs, only half joking. "I don't want to jinx myself by saying I will pursue one path, only to end up going in a completely different direction. Life can be non-linear and unexpected."

If there is one thing he is certain of, it is that when he returns to the Philippines, he will share all that he has learned and gained. Whether through concerts, collaborations with fellow musicians, or by offering lessons, masterclasses, and workshops, he hopes to give back to the community that nurtured him throughout his journey as a budding classical musician.

For now, that only means sharing the stage and lights. He spent his undergraduate years in Singapore steeped in chamber music, playing quartets, quintets, and vocal collaborations. Then his master's at Indiana pulled him toward solo and concerto repertoire, and the ensemble work fell away. Only in his doctorate has he found his way back to it, and the return has sharpened his sense of what each mode demands.

Jet shared that, “for a solo recital, there is a bit more freedom in how I can express and interpret the music. I don't have to play in the same exact way every time. However, since all eyes, or rather all ears, are on me when playing solo pieces, I feel a responsibility to make sure every passage and every measure is practiced and phrased beautifully. Because of that, I actually feel more pressure preparing for solo performances.” Meanwhile, for chamber concerts, Jet stated that this gives the solitary pianists the opportunity to interact and work with other musicians. Through here, he is not working alone because he has collaborators to bounce ideas with, which for Jet, is also a humbling and learning experience at the same time.

“Playing with others means I have to listen to the overall sound and not just my own. This can be quite a challenge, as pianists are often self-critical due to the many hours spent practicing alone. Both are fulfilling in different ways. Solo work pushes my individual artistry, while chamber music reminds me of the joy of shared creation,” he added.

Previously, Jet has only ever played one piano quartet, Brahms' Third, and he has high hopes to explore more. Rachmaninoff's Trio élégiaque and Beethoven's Ghost Trio are on top of his wish list, alongside the Dvořák and Franck quintets.

Away from the piano, he keeps a routine that would make most touring musicians envious: daily exercise, swimming, and books. Jet admits that watching movies and series is a guilty pleasure of his amidst all the chaos and busy schedules.

The July 25 program offers a preview of that appetite. Schubert's Rondo from Op. 100 unwinds slowly. Dvořák's Dumky Trio swings between lament and dance without warning. Piazzolla's Four Seasons of Buenos Aires brings the grit of tango into the concert hall.

This coming 25th of July, the trio have prepared an eclectic chamber music program for audiences. From Schubert's slow-burn Rondo from his Op. 100, to Dvořák's dynamic Dumky Trio that moves between lament and dance, to Piazzolla's groovy Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, Jet believes it will surely be a treat.

An Evening of Chamber Music, presented by the Cultural Arts Events Organizer (CAEO), takes place July 25, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at Varlez Pianos, LIJ Building, Ortigas Avenue, San Juan, Greenhills. Tickets available through CAEO or at www.veniccio.com.