Aristo Sham wins Gold at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Hong Kong pianist takes top prize with Brahms concerto; Starikov and Ozel round out the winners Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham has claimed the prestigious Gold Medal at the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, dazzling both judges and audiences with his stirring interpretation of Brahms’s Piano Concerto No. 2. The 29-year-old becomes the first pianist from Hong Kong to win the coveted title, earning not only international prestige but also a $100,000 cash prize, the Van Cliburn Winner's Cup, and three years of individualized career management. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/clc_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1620416761870-bbm1'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1620416761870]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Sham, who has already built a global reputation through top prizes at the Gina Bachauer, Dublin, and Geneva competitions, was praised for his compelling artistry. In addition to the top prize, Sham also received the audience award, a clear testament to his resonance beyond the jury panel. His winning performance capped off a demanding series of competition rounds, during which he performed music by Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, Rachmaninov, Mendelssohn, and Brahms. Starikov and Ozel take Silver and Bronze The Silver Medal was awarded to 30-year-old Israeli-Russian pianist Vitaly Starikov, whose interpretation of Schumann’s Piano Concerto stood out for its emotional depth and subtle nuance. Distler noted Starikov’s ability to “probe for profundities” in his performances, applauding his thoughtful musical choices. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/clc_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1620416761870-bbm2'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1620416761870]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); American pianist Evren Ozel, 26, from Minneapolis, received the Bronze Medal after a refined performance of Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4. His “cultivated pianism and stylistic awareness,” according to Distler, earned him widespread praise from both the jury and live audiences in Fort Worth, Texas. A legacy of excellence Held every four years in Fort Worth, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is regarded as one of the most significant events in the classical music world. Its alumni include a distinguished list of pianists such as Radu Lupu, Olga Kern, and most recently, 2024 Gramophone Young Artist of the Year Yunchan Lim. For Sham, this moment marks both a pinnacle and a launchpad. Along with his cash award and Winner’s Cup, he will embark on a series of concert tours across North America and internationally, and will release a live album with Platoon Records. googletag.cmd.push(function() { if($(document).width()<900) { s = googletag.defineSlot('/50748803/clc_ros_bb', [300, 250], 'div-gpt-1620416761870-bbm3'); s.setTargeting('URL', [window.location.pathname]); s.setTargeting('position', [1620416761870]) s.addService(googletag.pubads()); googletag.pubads().refresh([s], {changeCorrelator: false}); } }); Discover more from this year’s competition The 17th edition of the Van Cliburn Competition showcased extraordinary talent from around the world. To explore full performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming tour dates for Aristo Sham and the other medalists, visit the official Van Cliburn Competition calendar of events.

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