A Right Ruckus at the Piano Competition!
Elimination completed: Six pianists progress to the final round of the Cliburn Competition, taking place at Bass Performance Hall.
The 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition has been a rollercoaster ride for the last fortnight, with 28 piano whiz-kids giving it their all in a bid to seize the top prize. As the dust has settled, only a chosen few remain standing.
The exclusive panel of judges, led by Paul Lewis, has narrowed down the competitors to the final six, who'll take center stage at Bass Performance Hall in downtown Fort Worth between June 3-7[1].
The lucky finalists are:
- Angel Stanislav Wang, United States, 22
- Carter Johnson, Canada/United States, 28
- Vitaly Starikov, Israel/Russia, 30
- Evren Ozel, United States, 26
- Aristo Sham, Hong Kong, China, 29
- Philipp Lynov, Russia, 26
The semifinals went down May 28, where each contender performed a 60-minute recital and a Mozart concerto, accompanied by Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Paul Lewis commended their performances before announcing the finalists on June 1[1].
In the championship rounds, each finalist will perform two concertos – one of their choice and one from a preapproved list[2]. American conductor Marin Alsop and the Fort Worth orchestra will accompany them.
The winners will be granted three years of career management services, including booking concerts, mentorship, and media training. A total of $265,000 in cash prizes will be awarded, with the gold medalist taking home $100,000, the silver medalist receiving $50,000, and the bronze medalist earning $25,000[1]. The grand finale celebration will be held at Sundance Square Plaza on June 7th.
Former Cliburn gold medalist and 2025 competition juror Jon Nakamatsu stated that the jury is keen on analyzing each pianist's consistency, repertoire management, artistry, and ability to work with orchestras[1].
Angel Stanislav Wang - United States
Back in California, 22-year-old Ku Angel Stanislav Wang was born into a family of pianists. His mother, originally from Russia, relocated him to Moscow in 2013, where he attended the Gnesin Russian Academy of Music. Wang later transitioned to the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory in 2020 and continues his studies there[3].
Angel Stanislav Wang has garnered more than 35 international competition wins, according to the Cliburn[3].
Carter Johnson - Canada, United States
Carter Johnson, 28, was encouraged to play piano by his grandmother when he was just five. He completed his bachelor's degree at the University of British Columbia and later moved to the U.S. to attend Juilliard in 2019. Johnson is currently attending the Yale School of Music[4].
Carter Johnson bagged the silver medal at the 2024 Gina Bachauer International Piano Competition and scooped the gold at the 2025 Dublin International Piano Competition earlier in May[4].
Vitaly Starikov - Israel, Russia
Vitaly Starikov, 30, is no stranger to the concert stage. Born into a family of musicians, he made his concerto debut at the age of ten with the Ural State Russian Folk Orchestra, and his recital debut three years later. Starikov earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and is currently attending the Yale School of Music[4].
Starikov has racked up numerous awards and accolades, including victories at the Queen Elisabeth, International Piano Competition Prize Jaén, and Sergei Taneyev competitions[4].
In case you're curious about the preapproved list of concertos for the final round, you can find it here (external link). It'll give you an idea of the diverse repertoire these talented musicians will be showcasing. Good luck to all the finalists, and may the best pianist win!
The news of the preapproved list of concertos for the final round of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition has created excitement among music enthusiasts. The list includes a diverse repertoire that the finalists will be performing, showcasing their talent in both entertainment and music.
