Kristen Kong (Piano)

Kristen Kong Wai Kio, born in Macau, is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Music degree at The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts under the tutelage of Professor Eleanor Wong. Her passion for music began at an early age, and she studied piano with the Steinway Young Artist Vincci Chan. In 2023, she enrolled in the Academy's Junior Music Programme, studying under Chan Sze Yau.

In addition to her passion for Western music, Kristen has a profound interest in Chinese music, which led her to study the guzheng under Wong Kin Wai from 2014 to 2023. During her studies, her talent and dedication were recognized with prestigious awards, including the MACA Music Scholarship and the Macau Foundation Award.

Kristen has excelled in various international music competitions, earning numerous accolades. She received the Apollo Award at the 28th PIARA International Piano Competition in Hamamatsu, Japan. She won the First Prize at the London Grand Prize Virtuoso International Music Competition, Second Runner-up at the V International Liszt Ferenc Competition (Hungary-Budapest), First Prize at the American Virtuoso International Music Competition, Gold Medal at the National Final of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Youth Piano Competition, and also Third Prize at the Premia International Young Artists Music Festival. Additionally, she has received multiple awards at the Macao Young Musicians Competition, including the Third Prize in the advanced level, the First Prize in the intermediate level, the Best Performance Award in the intermediate level at the Competition for Special Prizes, and the First Prize in the elementary level.