Monte-Carlo, June 17, 2023 — Aristo Sham has emerged as the triumphant winner of the prestigious Monte-Carlo Music Masters 2023. The competition, reserved exclusively for finalists of significant international competitions, concluded on a high note with Sham captivating audiences and judges alike with his extraordinary artistry.

Founded in 1989 by Jean-Marie Fournier, director of the Salle Gaveau in Paris, the Monte-Carlo Music Masters draws its inspiration from sporting events which showcase the finest talents in the world. A single prize is given at the end of the competition: the Prince Rainier III Prize, worth €30,000, in addition to engagements in France and internationally.

In this year's edition, Sham’s performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in the grand finale stood out to the distinguished jury with his musical intelligence and galvanizing brilliance. This edition’s jury included renowned violinist Maxim Vengerov and pianist Barry Douglas. Previous winners of the celebrated competition include prominent pianists such as Ludmil Angelov, Alexander Gadjiev, and Natalia Trull.

Born in Hong Kong and based currently in Sweden, Sham has performed for dignitaries such as King Charles III, the Queen Mathilde of Belgium and ex-President Hu of China, and collaborated with orchestras such as the London Symphony Orchestra under Sir Simon Rattle. Hailed by the New York Times as a pianist “whose playing combines clarity, elegance and abundant technique,” pianist Aristo Sham has dazzled audiences on five continents. Already in 2009, Sham was featured in the documentary ‘The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies,’ broadcast by Channel 4 in the UK.

Sham has also won prizes at competitions including Gina Bachauer, Dublin, Clara Haskil, Vendome Prize at Verbier and Casagrande, and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University and a Masters in Piano Performance from New England Conservatory. He is currently Artist-in-Residence at the Ingesund Piano Center, Arvika, Sweden. His principle teachers include Eleanor Wong, Colin Stone, Victor Rosenbaum, Julia Mustonen-Dahlkvist. He has also worked closely with Gabriela Montero, and will be starting an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School with Robert McDonald and Orli Shaham in 2023.

Upon receiving the coveted award, Sham expressed his gratitude to the esteemed jury, competition organizers, and the invaluable support from his family, teachers, and the Ingesund Piano Center: "It is a great honor to receive this illustrious prize and be recognized by the preeminent jury for my work. I am grateful for this distinction and incredibly excited for the opportunities that this prize will lead to.”

Sham’s winning performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 can be heard here: https://www.radioclassique.fr/replay-concerts/les-piano-masters-a-lopera-de-monte-carlo/, beginning at timestamp 1:15:25.

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