Hong Kong-born pianist Aristo Sham has been named the Gold Medalist of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, following his compelling performance of Brahms’s Piano Concerto No 2. Sham, who previously achieved international acclaim by winning prizes at the Gina Bachauer, Dublin, and Geneva competitions, earned praise from Jed Distler, who described his playing as exhibiting ‘purpose, direction, structural awareness, technical finesse and mature artistry.’

Aswell as a cash award of $100,000 and the Van Cliburn Winner's Cup Sham recieves three years of individualised career management, including U.S. and international concert tours and a Platoon Records live album contract.

The Silver Medal was awarded to Vitaly Starikov for his expressive performance of Schumann’s Piano Concerto. Distler recognized Starikov’s unique interpretive choices, noting his capacity to ‘probe for profundities’ throughout his performances.

Evren Ozel received the Bronze Medal after performing Beethoven’s Fourth Piano Concerto, earning praise from Distler for his ‘cultivated pianism and stylistic awareness.’ Ozel's refined approach impressed both the audience and critics alike.

The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, held every four years in Fort Worth, Texas, continues to showcase exceptional talent from around the globe. Aristo walks in the footsteps of revious winners of the competition including celebrated pianists such as Radu Lupu, Olga Kern, and 2024 Gramophone Young Artist of the Year winner Yunchan Lim.

Click below to read Jed Distler’s full Van Cliburn blogs and to watch all performances.

Gramophone is a Media Partner of The Cliburn International Piano Competition