Aristo Sham wins the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, earning $100,000 and a prestigious career boost.
FORT WORTH, Texas — After two and a half weeks of performances from 28 of the world’s top pianists, the winner of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition has been crowned.
Aristo Sham, 29, won the competition Saturday, following his final concert performance of MENDELSSOHN Piano Concerto No. 1 in G Minor, op. 25 on Tuesday and BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2 in B-flat Major, op. 83 on Friday.
Sham, a Hong Kong-born pianist, began studying music at the age of 3 and gave his first performances by age 10. A graduate of the dual degree program at Harvard University and the New England Conservatory, he later pursued advanced studies in Sweden and at The Juilliard School.
He was awarded the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal, which includes a $100,000 cash prize, three years of individualized career management, a live album on Platoon Records, a promotional package, and performance attire provided by Neiman Marcus.
The six finalists in the competition included the following contestants:
- Carter Johnson of Canada/United States
- Philipp Lynov of Russia
- Evren Ozel of the United States
- Aristo Sham of Hong Kong China
- Vitaly Starikov of Israel/Russia
- Angel Stanislav Wang of the United States
The 18-day competition was held at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU and Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth. Contestants endured four rounds of intense performances, all in hopes of being named the world’s best pianist.