Spray General Store to host classical pianist

Pianist Jim-Isaac Chua will perform at the Spray General Store from 6-8 PM on October 2, in what promises to be an intimate performance.

In 2009, Chua had his solo debuts at Carnegie Hall. Over the years, he has captivated audiences the world over – from Austria and Italy to Myanmar and Indonesia.

A Filipino-American, Chua currently lives in Poland and studies with the renowned Maria Szwajger-Kulakowska.

Chua has played in concert halls of great luxury, and at small non-profit centers for arts organizations.

The following is an interview with Jim-Isaac Chua by Joni Kabana, of the Spray General Store.

Joni Kabana (JK): Tell us about your style of music and why you like to play it.

Jim-Isaac Chua (JIC): As a classical pianist, I have dedicated my life to works by composers such as Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, etc . . . because this music encompasses virtually every emotion and expression imaginable. Amongst the vast repertoire, you can find pieces inspired by joy, sorrow, tranquility, etc. the list goes on and on. Nature, the elements, and even interpersonal relationships are breathed new life through musical mediums. Especially in such a complicated yet beautiful world we live in, music is more necessary and even more beautiful than ever. I love the music I work on, because the journey of becoming a musician is endlessly satisfying. Every day and every practice, I get to learn more about myself, other people, and the world itself.

JK: What inspires you?

JIC: People really inspire me. I always find that people fit into two categories, similar yet different or different yet similar. Even when we come from very different backgrounds or even when we grow apart from the people we grew up with, we all share the same human experience. Understanding completely different experiences or points of views allows us to examine and appreciate the complexities of the world. Many of the classical composers come from different eras and cultures, yet their stories, lessons, emotions, and feelings bring us together and stir something inside of us. We are all one family and the more we learn/understand about each other, the more rich, prosperous, and meaningful our lives become.

JK: What would you like viewers to come away with when they hear your music?

JIC: I would love for the viewers to attend with open hearts and open minds, and I will do my best to interpret the vast richness of the repertoire I have chosen. Whatever viewers come away with is personal, but I deeply hope that they enjoy the performance and they feel that they are mentally and emotionally transported to places which give them much satisfaction.

JK: What is your ideal audience?

JIC: I am always so happy no matter how big or small the audience is! I feel so fortunate whenever people take time away from their busy schedule to hear me perform--I would just love for everyone to enjoy wholeheartedly in their own personal and unique way. Everyone has a right to experience music in whatever honest way. Music is meant for everyone who is open to listen!

JK: Name a musician(s) who inspires you.

JIC: The most inspirational musician in my life would be the great collaborative pianist Maria Szwajger-Kulakowska with whom I studied with for many years. She instilled in me an undying love and appreciation for the beauty and complexity of music. Moreover, she emphasized that having a profound respect for the ears of the listeners/ audience members was paramount to any great performance. She made sure to show through example that patience, dedication, and devotion to one's craft is manifested in our day-to-day lives. I think we all have that one teacher we remember most fondly who was wholeheartedly dedicated to helping her students, and that teacher for me is Maria Szwajger-Kulakowska.

JK: Describe how you learned your skills.

JIC: Lots of practice, dedication, and most importantly support. "It takes a village to raise a child", and I am just so fortunate to be able to be here today thanks to my family, friends, and mentors. A special shout-out to my parents, Dr. Jimmy Chua and Marlene Chua and my wife, Emilia, for being by my side through thick and thin.

JK: What would you say to someone starting out with your craft?

JIC: I would say to have as much fun as possible, and to be excited at the prospect of sharing one's music to as many people as possible! Don't be so concerned about how much innate talent you have even if it is important, because I believe that everyone is talented and gifted in their own special way. Sometimes it takes the right people to notice and cultivate it! (So please also don't forget to appreciate the talents of others as well!)

JK: If you had to define what art is, what would that be to you?

JIC: For me, Art is truth, and I think no one said it so eloquently as Shakespeare: "For anything so overdone is from the purpose of playing, whose end, both at the first and now, was and is, to hold, as it were, the mirror up to nature, to show virtue her own feature, scorn her own image, and the very age and body of the time his form and pressure." (Hamlet)

JK: What other interests do you have besides music?

JIC: I am really passionate about cooking all cuisines but primarily Indian, Korean, and South-East Asian! I also love trying local cuisines from all over the world and trying different spices and combinations. When I go on vacation, I love swimming and snorkeling especially when there are many colorful fish! My wife and I recently travelled to Malta and we spent the whole time being by the sea. I like learning history as well--I loved reading about the War of the Lancasters in 15th century England, and also the Three Unifiers of Japan.

JK: Describe how you feel when you are writing or performing a song.

JIC: Depends on what I am playing--I try to be as absorbed, aware, and conscious as possible. Achieving this level of concentration while balancing many technical and emotional elements takes a lot of time to get used to and learn.

JK: Describe your progression into your art. Are you a full-time musician or do you hold another job? If so, what is that job?

JIC: I am a full-time performing musician! However, I do have a few students as I love teaching. In the future, I would love to continue performing actively, but I would also like to find a full-time teaching job when I think about moving back to the USA with my wife to raise a family.

JK: Tell us about where you live and if you garner inspiration from your location.

JIC: I live in Poland where I deeply love and respect the people and the culture there. Poland is technically a young country as they achieved their independence in 1918, but for all time (even before independence) they have excelled across all fields--literature, sports, chess, music, arts, science, etc . . . Polish people are really very special--they are extraordinary, resilient, and devoted, so I am able to garner inspiration from being there. Also, the food and the sightseeing there is amazing as well!

JK: Have you ever been to Eastern Oregon before this performance? If so, what kind of impression do you have of this region?

JIC: Yes! Last year I performed in Baker City during my fall 2024 concert tour, and in middle school, I performed with the Oregon East Symphony Orchestra and Inland Northwest Musicians' Orchestra! I love this region--the people are so warm, friendly, and genuine. Also the nature is exceptionally beautiful! I am really so excited to be back!

JK: Is there anything else you would like readers to know about you?

JIC: Feel free to talk with me after the concert if you have any questions or would like to get to know me more personally!