Pianist Jonathan Mak is making waves as a promising new talent with a growing list of triumphs at international competitions. Recently, he captured first prize at the inaugural International Sorel-Tracy Piano Competition as well as the special prize for Best Interpretation of the Imposed Piece by Ana Sokolović.
Reflecting on his musical journey, the Toronto native shared that he initially studied both piano and violin. However, in high school, his teacher encouraged him to take up the viola. Faced with the choice of sitting in the back of the second violins or at the front as a violist, he opted for the latter, saying with a laugh, “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. Though the piano had always been his primary instrument, as a violist, Mak cherished the opportunity to perform some of the greatest works of the symphonic literature. “Playing classics like Strauss’s Ein Heldenleben was a great experience,” he noted, appreciating the insights gained from being part of an orchestra, which offered a different perspective than solo piano performances.
For the final round of the International Sorel-Tracy Competition, Mak chose to perform Brahms’ Second Piano Concerto—notably the same concerto that secured the recent victory of fellow Canadian Jaeden Izik-Dzurko at both the Leeds and CMIM competitions. Having previously played Brahms’ First Concerto with the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal, Jonathan was eager to tackle the second. “It’s always been one of the top concertos I’ve wanted to perform with an orchestra,” he explained. The Sorel-Tracy Competition’s generous selection of concertos, which Mak highlighted as “rare”, made it the perfect opportunity to realize this dream.
When asked about how he handles 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 sense of camaraderie that comes with concerto performances, stating, “You’re sharing the energy with somebody else, which helps take the pressure off a bit.”
Jonathan Mak performing alongside the Orchestre symphonique de Trois-Rivières, who are directed by Maestro Alain Trudel. Photo: Philippe Manning
Looking to the future, Jonathan’s schedule is packed. After a brief return to Houston to teach and resume 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 noted, adding that he’ll perform the Brahms 2nd in Trois-Rivières and again with the Kingston Symphony, followed by a third performance of the Brahms 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 then went on to earn two master’s degrees at 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.
