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. Vitaly’s perspective on music is manifested in his repertoire: he presents music that reflects notonly tradition, but also contemporary life, striving to offer new perspectives on familiar music and introduce lesser-known pieces to wider audiences. BACH Italian Concerto in F Major, BWV 671 SHOSTAKOVICH Sonata No. 2 in B Minor, op. 61