Spring Concert Series: David Dietz & Jonathan Mak

Cellist David Dietz has performed across North America, Europe and Asia and is comfortable in a wide range of settings as a performer and educator. His belief in classical music’s ability to strengthen communities and bring people together has driven his involvement in many creative projects spanning from kindergarten classrooms to concert halls. Recent season highlights include a series of community concerts in the Houston Public Library system with Trio Menil and recitals at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and Beijing’s Central Conservatory of Music.

David holds a Master’s Degree from Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music where he studied with Desmond Hoebig, and a Bachelor of Music and Performance Diploma from Indiana University, where he studied with Eric Kim. In his free time David loves to read historical fiction novels, drink a lot of coffee, and explore the many bicycle trails throughout Houston, Texas.

Winner of the 2024 inaugural Concours international de musique de Sorel-Tracy, pianist Jonathan Mak made his orchestra debut at the age of 4. Since then, he has been a guest soloist with numerous orchestras, most notably the Orchestre symphonique de Montréal. In addition to his win at the Sorel-Tracy competition, Jonathan's recent accomplishments include the Grand Prize at the 2023 Bader & Overton Canadian Piano Competition, Grand Prize at the 2023 Plowman Chamber Music Competition with Trio Menil, the First Prize at the 2024 Tuesday Musical Club’s Young Artists Competition, and the third prize in the OSM competition. Jonathan received special prizes at the Ljubljana Festival International Piano Competition in Slovenia, and the Maj Lind International Piano Competition in Finland. He has also participated in the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

Sponsored by Marie Smith