We’re looking forward to introducing you to Esme Wong . Check out our conversation below.
Hi Esme , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My typical day currently runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., working as répétiteur at the opera house, followed by private teaching or choir directing from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and then returning to the opera house for additional rehearsals or coaching sessions.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Esme Wong, a pianist and opera coach from Malaysia, currently based in Dresden, Germany. My musical journey has taken me across continents from Malaysia to the United States and Italy before finding my artistic home in Germany. Each place I’ve lived has influenced my approach to music, performance, and collaboration through the different cultures that I learn to adapt to.
I currently work as répétiteur in an opera company in Germany, where I collaborate closely with singers, conductors, and stage directors throughout the rehearsal process. Alongside this, I freelance as a collaborative pianist, performing with both instrumentalists and singers in concert venues across Europe. I also maintain a private teaching studio and direct a choir, which allows me to share my passion for music education and ensemble work.
What makes my work special is the balance between performing, coaching, and teaching as I strongly believe that each aspect fuels the other. I’m constantly inspired by the diversity of artistry that I encounter through opera and chamber music, and I strive to bring that same sense of connection and artistry to every project I’m part of.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I often feel incredibly fortunate that music is my career, because it has taught me that it’s not only about creating beauty. It is about connection. Music transcends language and culture, fostering empathy and building bridges between hearts and communities.
Early in my journey, I believed that success as a musician was defined purely by artistic excellence for example, mastering technique, interpretation, and stage presence. But over time, I came to realize that a musician’s career is also a multifaceted endeavor. It involves marketing, financial management, networking, and personal branding as they are all crucial for building a sustainable and fulfilling artistic life.
Finding the balance between creativity and practicality has profoundly shaped how I see the world as both an artist and a person who believes deeply in music’s power to bring life, hope, and meaning to others.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Throughout my musical journey, I’ve encountered moments of deep uncertainty especially when auditions that didn’t unfold as I hoped, performances that fell short of my own expectations, and times when I quietly wondered whether all the effort was truly worth it. In those moments, doubt felt heavy, and the path ahead seemed unclear. Yet, with time, I came to see that those struggles were not meant to break me, but patiently to shape me by guiding me back to the purpose of why I make music.
It was through those difficult moments that I learned resilience and humility. I realized that true growth never happens in comfort but it blooms in discomfort, in vulnerability, in the quiet confrontation with fear, limitation, and ego. I began to understand that my worth as an artist isn’t measured by applause or recognition, but by the sincerity and honesty I share with my community. Music stopped being about perfection but it became about truth.
Those moments taught me to listen more deeply to the music, to others, and, most importantly, to myself. It was a lesson that took years to truly absorb, a gradual awakening to patience, self-compassion, and authenticity.
Success, I have learned, is fleeting. But the lessons born from struggle endure. They have shaped who I am, both as a musician and as a human being, and they continue to define how I connect with the world through sound, through silence, and through the meaning of that music, at its core, is a reflection of the soul.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
One cultural value I always carry with me and protect at all costs is humility and respect for others. Growing up in Malaysia, that was something deeply ingrained in me from a young age. Our culture is so diverse, with people from different backgrounds, languages, and religions living side by side, so learning to respect and understand others isn’t just taught, however, it is part of daily life.
That mindset has shaped the way I approach music and collaboration. Whether I’m working with different conductors, singers, instrumentalists, or students from all kinds of backgrounds, I try to create an environment built on trust and mutual respect. For me, music is never just about performing but it is about connecting. Humility reminds me that no matter how much I have learned or achieved, there’s always something new to discover from the people around me.
Living and working abroad whether it was in Italy, the U.S., and now Germany, all the journey has made me appreciate that value even more. It keeps me grounded, helps me adapt, and reminds me to always listen first. At the same time, I’m someone who stands firm in my beliefs and isn’t afraid to voice my opinion when needed, to avoid misunderstandings. I believe that is what truly connects people through music. It is not just talent, but the respect, honesty, and empathy we bring to every collaboration.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Absolutely. The most meaningful work often happens behind the scenes for any artists in the world. Those hours of practice, careful preparation, or coaching that no one may ever see or acknowledge. I give my best not for applause or recognition, but because that is how I present myself, how I honor the music, and how I honor the people I collaborate with.
Even when no one acknowledges the effort, I find purpose in discovering something new in every rehearsal and every lesson, seeing each as a step toward growth, even if it comes from a challenging or negative experience. To me, true artistry comes from giving your best, regardless of external validation or what others may think. The rewards of dedication and integrity are felt in the work itself, experienced personally, and that alone makes it always worthwhile.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.esmewongpiano.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/esmewong/?hl=en
- Other: https://www.sarawaktribune.com/homecoming-hits-a-high-note/https://www.theborneopost.com/2025/07/06/echoes-of-love-kuching-pianist-returns-home-in-stirring-recital-with-husband/
https://dentonrc.com/entertainment/music/denton-pianist-records-duets-to-delight-listeners-and-showcase-asians-during-pandemic/article_31e3d543-c1b1-5f0b-9ed7-72127370d576.html
https://www.borneotalk.com/post/a-chat-with-esme-wong/
Image Credits
Abi Poe
Zhouyi He
Edwin Lay
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