Pianist Jonathan Mak is emerging as a promising talent in the music world, recently winning first prize at the inaugural International Sorel-Tracy Piano Competition. He also received a special prize for Best Interpretation of the Imposed Piece by Ana Sokolović.
Reflecting on his musical journey, the Toronto native revealed that he initially studied both piano and violin. However, in high school, his teacher encouraged him to explore the viola. Faced with the choice of sitting in the back of the second violins or performing at the front as a violist, he chose the latter, humorously stating, “I thought, ‘I don’t want to sit in the back, so I’ll learn the alto clef.’” This decision led to memorable experiences in school orchestras and tours across Canada. Although the piano has always been his primary instrument, Mak appreciated the chance to perform significant works of the symphonic repertoire as a violist. “Playing classics like Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben was a great experience,” he said, valuing the insights gained from orchestra participation, which offered a different perspective compared to solo piano performances.
For the final round of the Sorel-Tracy Competition, Mak performed Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto—the same piece that helped fellow Canadian Jaeden Izik-Dzurko achieve victories at the Leeds and CMIM competitions. Having previously played Brahms’ First Concerto with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Jonathan was eager to take on the second. “It’s always been one of the top concertos I’ve wanted to perform with an orchestra,” he explained. He noted that the competition’s selection of concertos was “rare,” making it an ideal opportunity to fulfill this aspiration.
When asked how he manages nerves, Jonathan reflected, “Whenever I get to the finals, I’m just happy that I’m finally not alone on stage. Solo piano can get a little lonely sometimes.” He embraced the camaraderie of concerto performances, stating, “You’re sharing the energy with somebody else, which helps take the pressure off a bit.”
Looking ahead, Jonathan’s schedule is busy. After a brief return to Houston to teach and continue his doctoral studies, he will head to New York for the semi-final auditions of Young Concert Artists. “I have a busy month ahead,” he remarked, noting that he will perform Brahms’ Second Concerto in Trois-Rivières, followed by another performance with the Kingston Symphony and a third with the Rice University Orchestra in Houston.
Recognized as one of CBC’s 30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30, Mak began his university studies at the Cleveland Institute, where he earned his bachelor’s degree under Dr. Daniel Shapiro, along with minors in viola and German. He later obtained two master’s degrees from the Yale School of Music, studying with Boris Slutsky. Currently, Jonathan is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Rice University under the guidance of Jon Kimura Parker.
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