Extoled by The New York Times as a pianist “whose playing combines clarity, elegance, and abundant technique,” Aristo Sham rocketed to prominence upon receipt of the gold medal and audience favorite award at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. His first-ever Eastman outing will feature works by Bach, Chopin, and Brahms (whose Second Concerto he played in the final round of the Van Cliburn).

J. S. Bach – F. Busoni: Chaconne in D minor
J. Brahms – F. Busoni: Six Organ Chorale Preludes
F. Chopin – F. Busoni: Variations on a Prelude in C minor
Intermission
J. Brahms: Klavierstücke 
-Capriccio in F-sharp minor, Op. 76, No. 1
-Capriccio in B minor, Op. 76, No. 2
-Capriccio in G minor, Op. 116, No. 3
-Intermezzo in C major, Op. 119, No. 3
-Intermezzo in A major, Op. 11-8, No. 2
-Capriccio in C major, Op. 76, No. 8
J. Brahms: Piano Sonata No. 1 in C major, Op. 1

“There was…something preternatural about Sham’s playing, with rapturous glissandos and indelible melodies emanating from fingers that seemed to dance unnaturally lightly over the keys.” — The Illinois Times

*This event is part of the Fernando Laires Piano Series.