Community Calendar

At the start of an international career, pianist Sophia Liu has already appeared with leading orchestras and at major concert halls across Europe, Asia, and North America. Born in Shanghai, raised in Japan, and trained in Montreal, Liu has performed with the NHK Symphony, the Cleveland Orchestra, and other distinguished ensembles while earning first prize at international piano competitions such as the 18th Ettlingen International Piano Competition and the Thomas & Evon Cooper International Competition.

Critics have noted the remarkable maturity of her artistry, praising her “poise and authority” at such a young age and the “sincerity and craft” that shape her performances. Her debut solo album, released in 2025, features Liszt’s Réminiscences de Norma and Chopin’s Andante spianato et Grande Polonaise.

This recital is presented in partnership with Le Piano Symphonique in Lucerne, Switzerland, reflecting a shared commitment to identifying and supporting the next generation of exceptional pianists. Following her Kalamazoo performance, Liu will present the same program at Le Piano Symphonique in January 2027. Audiences will hear a young artist whose thoughtful musicianship and commanding performances have earned her invitations to some of the world’s most respected stages.

Program
C.-V. ALKAN
Etude de Concert Le Preux, Op. 17
F. CHOPIN
Polonaise in A-flat Major, Op. 53
Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54
Intermission
P. TCHAIKOVSKY / trans. M. PLETNEV
Nutcracker Suite
P. TCHAIKOVSKY
Selections from The Seasons
M. BALAKIREV
Islamey, Op. 18

Praised for performances of remarkable depth and poise, Aristo Sham is one of the most exciting young pianists on today’s international stage. Winner of the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Sham has appeared with the London Symphony Orchestra, Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, and other leading ensembles, collaborating with conductors including Simon Rattle and Marin Alsop. Critics have praised his performances as “noble” and “thorough, strong, and brilliant,” recognizing both his musical insight and commanding technique.

Sham first drew international attention as a young artist when he was featured in the 2009 Channel 4 documentary “The World’s Greatest Musical Prodigies”. Since then, he has performed for royalty and dignitaries, including King Charles and the Queen of Belgium. In 2024, he recorded and hosted the complete solo piano music of Brahms for RTHK Radio 4, Classical Radio in Hong Kong.

A graduate of Harvard University, New England Conservatory, and The Juilliard School, Sham brings exceptional artistry and maturity to every performance.

Program
L.v. BEETHOVEN
Sonata No. 13 in E-flat Major, Op. 27, No. 1
S. RACHMANINOFF
Six Moments Musicaux, Op. 16
F. CHOPIN
4 Impromptus
L.v. Beethoven
Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, (“Moonlight Sonata")

Pianist Tom Borrow has earned international attention since his breakthrough performance with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in 2019, when, with just 36 hours’ notice, he stepped in for Khatia Buniatishvili in a 12-concert tour performing Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G. Born in Tel Aviv and a protégé of Murray Perahia, Borrow has since appeared with leading orchestras around the world, including the London Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Cleveland Orchestra, and NHK Symphony Orchestra, while giving recitals at renowned venues and festivals such as the BBC Proms, Wigmore Hall, and the Concertgebouw.

Praised for playing that is “both light and powerful,” Borrow combines technical brilliance with remarkable musical insight, making every performance both compelling and memorable.

Program
W.A MOZART
Sonata No. 8 in A Minor, K. 310
F. LISZT
Réminiscences de Don Juan, S. 418
Sonata in B Minor, S. 178