Sanford-Hill Piano Series presents Vitaly Starikov, 2025 Cliburn Silver Medalist

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, in the small hall of the Ural Special Music School. It was at 14 that he committed his life to music. His “dream came true” when he began studying with Vera Gornostayeva, one of the world’s most venerated teachers, at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. At that time, her student, Vadym Kholodenko, had just won the 2013 Cliburn Competition, which greatly inspired Vitaly: “and it was then that the thought was born to someday participate in this competition.” He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at the Conservatory and then his master’s degree, under the tutelage of Eliso Virsaladze. He’s now at the Yale School of Music, pursuing an artist diploma under Boris Berman and is a laureate of the Queen Elisabeth and Sydney International Competitions.

“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. Their ability to channel their values into their art motivates me to do the same, making music in honest, meaningful ways, and connected to the essence of who I am.” 

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. He holds a strong commitment to new music and has won accolades for his performances of it, including at the Queen Elisabeth (Belgium), Jaen (Spain), and Taneyev (Russia) international competitions. “I want to present works that reflect not only tradition but also contemporary life, offering new perspectives on familiar music and introducing lesser-known pieces to wider audiences.” 

Learn more about The Cliburn and the 2025 winners.