For most people, appreciation of classical music does not develop until well after they finish school. But Year 7 student Henry Ong is very much an exception to the norm!
From the age of six, Henry has been learning the piano. Henry explains, “My dad loved listening to classical music so he bought a piano for home and I started learning to play”. Henry’s piano teacher quickly recognised Henry’s ability and encouraged him to stick with it. Henry has gone on to win many music competitions, the most recent being the Ryde Eisteddfod. Here, Henry achieved 1st place for his performance of Prelude from English Suite No. 2 in minor by J.S Bach. In addition to this, Henry’s performance at Sydney Catholic Schools events were so outstanding that he is the inaugural recipient of the Sydney Catholic Schools (SCS) Music Scholarship and Mentorship Program.
Marist College Eastwood Music Teacher, Lisa Muller comments, “Henry is an exceptional talent and a lovely student to have in the classroom. He is a polished performer who very clearly enjoys and appreciates music.”
Henry practises piano every day – prior to exams his practice extends to a minimum of three hours per day and during school holidays prior to exams, up to six hours per day. Henry says that he very much enjoys his time at the piano; “I’ve always liked classical music. It is very different to modern music, it is much more gentle and soothing actually.
Principal, Silvana Rossetti, says “It is always a pleasure to see Henry perform, he is a very talented young man. Clearly, the discipline and focus he has developed from his work in Music transfers to his academic studies.” Henry is very quick to tell you that his favourite subjects are Mathematics, English and Science – and Music of course!
A critical element of the scholarship awarded to Henry is the support it provides him from the Sydney Catholic Schools Arts Team in partnership with Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sydney Dance Company and Opera Australia. Henry meets regularly with staff from SCS. Henry proudly says “We are planning a concert for 2025 where I will be playing the piano solo for 60 minutes then a further 30 minutes with a full orchestra.”
So what does the future look like for young Henry? “I’m really loving being in high school and the scholarship will help me watch more performances. One day I really want to travel overseas to see where famous composers grew up and performed.” And after high school? “That’s an easy question” he says, “I want to be a concert pianist and perform around the world and I also want to teach other people to play the piano.”
And yes, Marist College Eastwood staff will most definitely be guests!