Latest news with #VitalyStarikov
South China Morning Post
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham wins prestigious Van Cliburn international competition
Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham Ching-tao has won the 2025 edition of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, putting him on track for global stardom. Sham, 29, is the first pianist from Hong Kong to win the competition, held in Fort Worth in the US state of Texas. The announcement on June 7 of his victory followed two-and-a-half weeks of intense anticipation as music lovers around the world followed live streams of the contest's four gruelling rounds, which began on May 21 with 28 competitors from 15 countries. After Sham's name was read out by jury chairman Paul Lewis to loud cheers in the packed Bass Performance Hall, the winner stepped onto the stage wearing a bow tie and a huge smile to receive his gold medal and trophy. Aristo Sham, of Hong Kong (right), the overall winner, bronze medal winner Evren Ozel, of the United States (left), and Vitaly Starikov, of Israel and Russia, who came second, during the awards ceremony of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition at Bass Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, US. Photo: Brandon Wade The silver medal went to Vitaly Starikov of Israel and Russia, and the bronze to Evren Ozel of the United States. Sham started on the piano at the age of three with his piano teacher mother at home in Hong Kong and began competing internationally at the age of 10 while attending the Diocesan Boys' School and studying under Shirley Ip and Professor Eleanor Wong at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.
Axios
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Axios
Pianists reach finals in Van Cliburn competition
One of the world's most prestigious classical music competitions will crown its new winner in Fort Worth this weekend. State of pianists: The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is held in Fort Worth every four years to showcase young musicians considered to be the top emerging talent in the world. This year's competition featured 28 pianists chosen out of 340 applicants from 45 countries and regions. Zoom in: The six finalists range from ages 22 to 30, representing Canada, Hong Kong, Israel, Russia and the U.S. Finalist performances start Tuesday and continue Wednesday and Friday nights at Bass Performance Hall. The final concert is Saturday. The finalists: Los Angeles-born Angel Stanislav Wang, the youngest finalist, comes from a family of musicians and started taking piano lessons when he was 5. Vitaly Starikov, 30, who is representing Russia and Israel, also comes from a family of musicians and has traveled the world for his recital and chamber music. Aristo Sham, 29, was featured in a U.K. documentary about the world's greatest musical prodigies and has performed for King Charles. Philipp Lynov, 26, studied at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory before moving to Germany. Carter Johnson, 28, grew up in Canada and is highlighting lesser-known works of Polish composers. Evren Ozel, 26, debuted at 11 with the Minnesota Orchestra and has been a featured soloist with several U.S. orchestras. The intrigue: The gold medalist will receive $100,000 and three years of comprehensive career management, including concert tours, an album and performance attire from Neiman Marcus.
