Local pianist Aristo Sham on Saturday won the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, a classical music contest held every four years in the United States.

Sham was one of 28 top competitors invited to play in person in Fort Worth, Texas, although 340 pianists from 45 countries and regions took part.

In addition to winning US$100,000 in prize money, the 29-year-old will also get artistic and publicity assistance from the organisers for three years, along with career management support.

He also won the US$2,500 audience award, following a vote by more than 9,000 people at the venue.

His mother, who teaches piano, told RTHK that Sham had enjoyed the process despite facing difficulties.

Culture minister Rosanna Law, meanwhile, congratulated Sham for his success.

Law wrote on social media that she looks forward to seeing him perform soon.

Born in Hong Kong, Sham started playing the piano at the age of three.

He studied at Harrow School in London and graduated from Harvard University before completing a master's degree in music at the New England Conservatory.

Sham has won numerous international competitions. He has also performed for former President Hu Jintao, King Charles of the United Kingdom, and Belgium's Queen Mathilde.
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Last updated: 2025-06-08 HKT 17:47