Hometown:
Flushing, New York
Education:
Manhattan School of Music, Bachelor of Music (2025)
Manhattan School of Music, Master of Music (2027)
Bio:
Emily Tong is a New York City–based pianist dedicated to exploring the beauty of the classical repertoire and sharing it with audiences. She has performed at venues including Carnegie Hall and the Wiener Musikverein and appeared as a soloist with the MSM Lab Orchestra, Texas Festival Orchestra, and New York Youth Symphony. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music, she continues graduate studies there with Daniel Epstein and Dr. Wael Farouk.
What inspired you to become a musician?
My first summer festival experience showed me that I enjoyed making music, and I loved the community I found in others who enjoyed making music like me. Ever since then, I have made some of my favorite memories and have met some of my closest friends through music. It’s experiences like this that inspire me to keep making music and pursuing the life of a musician.
Name your favorite composers and/or pieces:
My favorite composer changes every day! Some of my favorites include Gershwin, Rachmaninoff, Chopin, Brahms, Bach, and Teresa Carreño. Notable favorite pieces include Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto 2, Gershwin’s Concerto in F, any of Brahms’ late piano pieces and symphonies, Prokofiev Symphony No 5, and Dvorak 7th Symphony.
What is an interesting fact about you and/or your instrument?
I once did a six day piano tour in New York City, playing on 38 painted public pianos across all five boroughs!
When taking a break from music-making, what is your favorite thing to do?
Taking walks, discovering new food places, and spending time with my friends and family.
Why did you choose the NRO?
I chose the NRO because of my passion for orchestral music. I love the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself, and being surrounded by passionate musicians is always deeply inspiring. I’m also excited to experience the schedule and environment of a pre-professional orchestra. The opportunity to learn a wide range of new repertoire will help prepare me for a future in orchestral and ensemble playing. Above all, I look forward to meeting many like-minded musicians!