Universal Music signs Aristo Sham, the first Hong Kong Van Cliburn International Piano Competition Winner
Photo credit: Jiyang Chen
First album, Timeline, released 7 November
First single, Bach’s Toccata in C minor, out now
Universal Music Hong Kong is delighted to announce the signing of Hong Kong pianist Aristo Sham, winner of the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. His first album on the label, Timeline, featuring repertoires from his subsequent international tour, will be released worldwide on 7 November. The first track, Bach’s Toccata in C minor, BWV 911, is now available on all music streaming platforms (listen HERE).
Aristo Sham enrolled in the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Junior Music Programme at the age of six. At age 10, he won the Ettlingen International Piano Competition for Young Pianists, followed by the Gina Bachauer International Junior Piano Competition at age 12. International media hailed him as a “musical prodigy.” He pursued a dual-degree programme, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Harvard University and a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the New England Conservatory. He later completed an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School.
Gramophone Magazine acclaimed his performance at the Van Cliburn Competition, saying it “inspired a well-deserved ovation.” Aristo Sham prevailed over more than 300 competitors worldwide to become the first Hong Kong pianist to win this major international competition. He also received the Audience Award, voted by music lovers globally, demonstrating that his artistry captivated both the jury and the public. Within just two months, his Cliburn performance videos were streamed over 2 million times across 125 countries.
Aristo Sham said, “I am so excited to enter a new artistic arena through my partnership with Universal Music, and infinitely grateful to be entrusted with sharing my voice and visions in music, art and life, to a wider audience through the medium of recordings, hopefully contributing to new and profound experiences where we may push the frontiers of what we can do with art.”
Gary Chan, Managing Director of Universal Music Hong Kong and Senior Vice President of Universal Music Greater China, said: “Aristo radiates a unique charm at the piano, making his victory truly well-deserved. We are thrilled to sign a Hong Kong winner of such international stature and collaborate on his global development.”
Following his win, Aristo Sham embarked on a global tour, including sold-out performances in Hong Kong and critically acclaimed concerts in Europe and the United States. This concert season, he will make his debut at the prestigious Asian music halls—Seoul Arts Center in South Korea and National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing—before returning for performances across Europe and the United States.