Aristo Sham 'Chords Differ - Boundless Music' Concert 2026

Program Overview

Following his triumphant victory at the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, pianist Aristo Sham returns to the Tai Kwun stage. He has curated the 'Chords Differ - Boundless Music' concert series, titled 'Between Beginnings and Successions: Exploring the Present and Past.' This ambitious project aims to break musical barriers by bringing together diverse traditions. Aristo is joined by an elite ensemble including French violinist Fanny Clamagirand, renowned erhu virtuoso Lu Yiwen, and West-Eastern Divan Orchestra principal hornist Bar Zemach, who will also perform on the traditional Jewish instrument, the shofar.

Highlights

This concert series serves as a dialogue between cultures, blending Western classical chamber music with Chinese and Jewish musical heritages. The program features classics by Beethoven, Brahms, Prokofiev, and Debussy, alongside fresh, experimental arrangements. A key highlight is the world premiere of two newly commissioned works by Hong Kong composer Elliot Leung and Israeli-American composer Ofer Ben-Amots, specifically written for a trio of shofar, erhu, and piano. This unique instrumentation highlights Sham's vision as a curator, pushing the boundaries of what chamber music can express.

Schedule

• Concert I: 'Between Beginnings and Successions'

  • Date: Friday, November 27, 2026
  • Time: 19:00 – 20:30 (includes a 20-minute intermission)
  • Highlights: Includes Bruch's 'Kol Nidrei' (arranged for shofar), Liu Tianhua's 'Birds Singing in the Desolate Mountains', new commissions by Elliot Leung and Ofer Ben-Amots, and Brahms' Horn Trio.

• Concert II: 'Between Beginnings and Successions'

  • Date: Sunday, November 29, 2026
  • Time: 18:00 – 19:30 (includes a 20-minute intermission)
  • Highlights: Features Joseph Achron's 'Hebrew Melody', Beethoven's Horn Sonata, Debussy's violin sonata, and selections from 'The Butterfly Lovers'.

Ticketing & Venue

The performances take place at the Prison Yard, Tai Kwun, offering a distinct outdoor atmosphere. Tickets are available via Art-mate. Early bird discounts for Tai Kwun FAN members and multi-concert bundle discounts are available. We encourage early booking to secure your seats.