HK's Aristo Sham wins top international piano contest
HK's Aristo Sham wins top international piano contest
Sham plays at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth. Photo courtesy of the Cliburn Competition website
Local pianist Aristo Sham has won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, a classical music contest held every four years in the United States.
Sham was one of 28 top competitors invited to play in person in Fort Worth, although 340 pianists from 45 countries and regions took part.
In addition to winning US$100,000 in prize money, the 29-year-old will also get artistic and publicity support from the organisers for three years, along with career management.
His mother, who teaches the piano, told RTHK that Sham had enjoyed the process despite the difficulties.
Born in Hong Kong, Sham started playing the piano at the age of three.
He studied at Harrow School in London and graduated from Harvard University before completing a master's degree in music at the New England Conservatory.
Sham has won numerous international competitions. He has also performed for former President Hu Jintao, King Charles of the United Kingdom, and Belgium's Queen Mathilde.
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