Reflections of a Pianist: A Q&A with Zion Pe Montebon

Zion Pe Montebon has carved an impressive path in the Philippine music scene, beginning his piano journey at just five years old under the mentorship of Mr. Jerome Baes, with whom he celebrated his first competition win. In 2018, Zion was accepted into the Philippine High School for the Arts, where he continued to hone his craft with Prof. Anthony Yu Say. Since then, he has graced some of the Philippines’ top stages, including the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Metropolitan Theater, and Steinway Boutique Manila, and performed at renowned music conservatories in the Philippines as well as at Xinghai Conservatory in China.

A consistently high achiever, Zion has earned numerous honors in both academics and music. With over thirty awards to his name, he has claimed top prizes in events such as the Kayserburg Youth Piano Competition and the Steinway Youth Piano Competition, as well as Grand Prizes at the Medici International Music Competition and the Singapore International Piano Competition. His impressive accomplishments led to a scholarship offer from Brooklyn College of the City University of New York after winning second place at the New York Young Performers Prize in 2021. A year later, he received the prestigious Ani Ng Dangal Award from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts in 2022.

We had the pleasure of chatting with Zion about his journey in music—and life beyond the keys. Here’s what he shared with us.

How did you first become interested in classical music, and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?

My relationship with classical music began with an album of Bach’s music. I listened to this every night to sleep throughout my childhood. My mother also told me that, as a toddler, the only thing that could stop me from running was hearing classical music. I was also born with perfect pitch so many family members and my first piano mentor, Mr. Jerome Baes, encouraged me to pursue further piano studies. I was accepted to the Philippine High School for the Arts (PHSA) in 2018, and it was here where my interest in classical music further developed. Aside from the education I received, it was a piano festival in 2019 that inspired me to go further. Upon realizing that music making was more than just following notations and making good sound, I knew that the piano will be the biggest part of my life.

What has been the most memorable performance or project of your career so far? Can you share more about it?

Six years in the Philippine music scene has already produced a lot of memorable moments. I believe there are two events that I treasure very much. The first was the Pearl River - Kayserburg International Youth Piano Competition. It was my first contest both locally and overseas. Performing for acclaimed jurors and witnessing great pianists in China was an amazing experience that I am eternally grateful for. It never crossed my mind that I would be the Philippines’ chosen representative, and neither was being part of the top four winners of the international finals. Another performance I treasure was with the Manila Symphony Orchestra (MSO). I performed Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No.1 in B-Flat Minor with MSO in April 2024. It was an extraordinary experience to perform with an orchestra. The Concerto was also a dream piece I have wanted to play since I was a freshman, which made the moment sweeter. It is without a doubt my final performance at the National Arts Center was my greatest and most memorable.

How do you prepare for performances, both technically and mentally?

Preparing for a performance is not easy. I add more hours of practice in the weeks building up to the concert. I also run through my program at least once a day to ensure comfort in playing all my pieces together. Apart from music, gearing up with a positive mindset is one of the most relevant aspects of preparation. It is difficult to maintain discipline because anxiety can easily consume you. Rising above your inner demons is something that will make any performance successful.

Can you walk us through a typical day in your life as a musician/music student?

My daily life is relatively consistent. I normally split my practice time to three hours in the morning and another three in the afternoon. I do not work in the evening because I always spend them relaxing and talking with friends back in the Philippines.

Do you have other hobbies outside of music? Can you tell us more about them?

Watching football is my main hobby. I used to play the beautiful game until I was twelve. However, I maintained my thrill for football. I still watch on television or online.

How do you balance your personal life with the demands of a music career?

This is something I struggled with, especially during my time at PHSA. I sacrificed a lot to get better at music. Majority of my high school memories were at the practice room or performances across Manila. As someone who was not active socially, it did not bother me. However, over time, I realized the value of spending time with other people, and I learned how to balance it better. I am still in the process of improving it.

What songs or genres do you enjoy outside of classical music? Any artists you’re currently listening to?

I rarely listen to other genres but occasionally, I enjoy jazz music and songs by the Beatles. I grew up listening to my parents’ soundtracks, which was filled with a lot of songs from the 70s-90s. I enjoy them a lot.

How do you see the future of classical music in the Philippines, and what role do you think both musicians and fans can play in its development?

The future of classical music in the Philippines is bright. There has been a lot of talent blooming at PHSA. It also comes at a time when music projects across the Philippines have been on the rise. Musicians and enthusiasts alike are benefiting from the upward trend of classical music, but it is also our responsibility to develop the industry further. One basic example is ensuring that performances are excellent. People appreciate beautiful things so showcasing high levels of music making to them will get them interested in our industry.

Having had the opportunity to study abroad, what practices or aspects of the classical music culture from other countries do you think the Philippines could adopt or learn from?

I have not spent much time in America, but I already see the difference in culture. American practice, much like other music disciplines across the world, is very particular with intonation and detail. Musicians here are used to performing because of the number of opportunities across the country and there are subjects that prepare you for concerts like forums and studio classes. The quality of instruments we currently play on are very good. Every piano I have played in, whether it be in a hall or a practice room, was a grand piano.

A non-classical music listener asks you for a single piece to spark their interest—what would you recommend to turn them into a fan?

Tchaikovsky - Piano Concerto No.1 in B-flat Minor

Currently, Zion is pursuing his bachelor’s degree at Lynn University under the guidance of Dr. Roberta Rust, with support from both the Conservatory Scholarship and the PHSA-CCP Scholarship. With his profound musical achievements and dedication, Zion Pe Montebon continues to represent Filipino talent on an international stage, embodying excellence and a promising future in classical music.