Celine Ong

Hometown

Kampar, Perak

Education

California Baptist University, Instrumental Performance, 2019-2024

California Baptist University, Instrumental Conducting, 2024-Present

Instrument

Violin

Biography

Celine Ong is a versatile conductor, violinist, and pianist based in the United States, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. She will be pursuing her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at California Baptist University under the mentorship of Dr. Gene Moon in fall 2024, having earned a Bachelor of Music (Honours) in Instrumental Performance with a concentration in Piano Pedagogy in 2024.

Her orchestral experience includes serving as concertmaster of the Hong Kong International Institute of Music Symphony Orchestra and as principal second violin in the CBU Symphony Orchestra. She has participated in the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and was appointed principal second violin in the Sewanee Symphony, working under the baton of world-class conductors such as JoAnn Falletta, Christian Reif, and Robert Moody. Her orchestral engagements also encompass performances with the University Choir and Orchestra, CBU Opera Orchestra, Hong Kong Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, and the Hong Kong China Youth Symphony Orchestra.

As a conductor, Celine studied with Professor Lim Soon Lay from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music and recently participated in a conducting workshop in Hong Kong under the guidance of world-class conductor Wilson Ng. As a violinist and pianist, she has enriched her musical training under the mentorship of world-renowned violinists Nancy Zhou and Giora Schmidt, as well as pianist Dr. Andrés Jaramillo, significantly enhancing her personal and musical craft. She has also had the privilege of performing in masterclasses with Sam Fischer from the Colburn Conservatory and renowned pianist Pilar Leyva. An active chamber musician, Celine has participated in masterclasses with the Aeolus Quartet.

Celine has showcased her talents as a soloist and collaborative artist in numerous recitals, including engagements at the Avia Music Center in Indonesia. Her achievements include receiving second prize in the 3rd Asia Aegean Sea Music Competition, Hong Kong Round. This summer, she was invited to be a guest actress featured as a violinist on Hong Kong Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) TV shows.

What inspired you to go into music?

The sound of violin and the way that music connect to human's soul.

What is an interesting fact about you?

I can speak four languages.

What activities do you enjoy in your spare time?

I enjoyed reading and having quality time spent with loved ones.

What are you most excited for about this 2024-2025 season?

I am excited to be part of it and exploring this beginning chapter with Mission Philharmonic.

Favorite Musical Quote:

"In order to move others, I must be moved."

-Niccolò Paganini