The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is widely considered “one of the most prestigious contests in classical music” (The New York Times, June 2022). From its origins in 1962 through today, it has remained dedicated to sharing music with the largest international audience possible and to launching the careers of its winners. Sunriver Music Festival has the honor of presenting Cliburn medalists every few years and this 48th season August 2-13 welcomes the brand new silver-medalist Vitaly Starikov.
“For me, true art is possible only when it is created with conscience and authenticity. I am inspired by those who remain true to themselves, whether through their actions, teaching, or performances.” – Vitaly Starikov, piano.
Born into a family of musicians, Vitaly Starikov’s journey started when his parents enrolled him to sing in a children’s music group at age 3, and he went on to Ural Musical School for Gifted Children in his native Yekaterinburg at 7. He made his concerto debut at age 10 with the Ural State Russian Folk Orchestra, and his recital debut three years later. It was at 14 that he committed his life to music. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the famed Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory and is now at the Yale School of Music, pursuing an artist diploma.
Recital and chamber music appearances have taken him around the world, notably to Austria, Australia, Slovakia, Israel, Cyprus, Italy, France, Belgium, and Malaysia, with highlights including Sydney Opera House, Queen Elisabeth Hall, and the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. He has performed with the Antwerp and Belgian National Orchestras, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Belarusian State Symphony Orchestra, and St. Petersburg Symphony, and toured with the Orchestre national de Metz Grand Est.
Starikov’s appearance in Sunriver on August 12 and 13 is the culmination of Sunriver Music Festival’s August 2-13 concert series, with concerts in Bend and Sunriver. Details and tickets at sunrivermusic.org.
This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.
This article appears in Source Weekly July 3, 2025.
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