The latest Van Cliburn gold medallist returns to Hong Kong with Busoni and Brahms

In June 2025, pianist Aristo Sham won both the Gold Medal and Audience Award at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—an event hailed by The Guardian as “the instrument’s Olympics” and by The New York Times as “one of the most prestigious contests in classical music”. The newspaper from New York also praised his “clarity, elegance and abundant technique”, while The Washington Post describes his potential as “boundless.”

For this recital, Sham pairs virtuosity with deep musical insight. Bach’s monumental Chaconne for solo violin opens the programme in Ferruccio Busoni’s re-imagined version, followed by his transcriptions of Brahms’ Six Chorale Preludes for organ—music from just before the German composer’s death—and Variations on a Prelude in C minor by Chopin. The latter is based on the famous “Funeral March” (Op 28 No 20), becoming a powerful showpiece in Busoni’s hands.

The second half focuses on Brahms, one of Sham’s favourite composers, with a selection of late Capriccios and Intermezzi—pieces as intimate as diary entries. It culminates in the youthful Piano Sonata No 1, composed when Brahms was just 20, an ambitious work of sweeping architecture infused with Beethovenian spirit and Romantic passion.

Don’t miss this recital that showcases artistry, intellect and the commanding presence of Hong Kong’s very first Van Cliburn laureate.

Advance bookings will start at 10am on 16 October 2025