Vitaly Starikov

Pianist Vitaly Starikov has found distinction with “raw, deeply felt, and powerful” (La Scena) performances, while having an unassuming onstage presence and a “willingness less to play at the audience than to draw [them] into musical intimacies” (Dallas Morning News). His bold approach won him silver at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and the admiration of fans around the globe. Starikov’s perspective on music is manifested in his repertoire: He presents music that reflects not only tradition but also contemporary life, striving to offer new perspectives on familiar music and introduce lesser-known pieces to wider audiences. His Cliburn performance of Bartók’s Second Piano Concerto electrified the room, with a La Scena reviewer noting that “he understood this music, and gave an impactful, lively, and gripping interpretation on all levels: emotionally, architecturally, and in terms of his sound palette.”

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 he has toured with the Orchestre national de Metz Grand Est. This inaugural Cliburn season takes him to the Bravo! Vail and Sunriver Music Festivals; Colorado Springs Philharmonic; and Pacific, Topeka and Springfield symphony orchestras as well as recitals throughout the United States.