Lunchtime Recital -Cristo Harijan (piano)

Programme:

F. Chopin:

Nocturne Op 48 no 1

Etude Op 25 no 7

S. Rachmaninov:

Preludes Op 23 no 4: Andante cantabile

Etudes Tableaux Op 39 no 5: Apassionato

R. Schumann:

Kreisleriana Op 16

1 Äußerst bewegt

2 Sehr innig und nicht zu rasch

3 Sehr aufgeregt

4 Sehr langsam

5 Sehr lebhaft

6 Sehr langsam

7 Sehr rasch

8 Schnell und spielend

Free Entry. No ticket Required. Retiring collection, suggestion £5

Biography:

Commended for having ‘fluid virtuosity in combination with a mature and thoughtful musicality’ by local music critic William Byrne, Cristo Harijan is an aspiring British-American pianist based in the Northeast of England.

Born in upstate New York, Cristo began his musical journey performing the songs of great American country artists such as Johnny cash on the guitar from age 4, and at the age of 9 Cristo made the decision to dedicate his life to the piano. Since then he has developed an impressive repertoire, with a particular emphasis on large scale romantic works.

After moving to the Uk Cristo was accepted into Chethams school of music in 2015, there he was immediately noticed by head of keyboard Murray Mclachlan for his ‘fiery virtuosity’, who took him on as a student. Cristo continued his studies with Murray at the RNCM where he graduated with a 1st in 2023, receiving emphatic praise following his final recital. During his time at the RNCM Cristo performed many concerts at established venues including the Bridgewater hall, Buxton opera house, and St James Piccadilly Church. Cristo also had the opportunity to work directly with leading pianists such as Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Stephen Hough and Roberto Plano.

In 2022 Cristo received a taste of international recognition when he got through to the final of his first piano competition, the Krogulski international competition in Poland. Since then he also received 3rd medal in the Lazlo spezzaferri music prize in Italy, and passed to the final of the RNCM’s Mark Ray recital prize two consecutive years, winning it in 2023. Cristo was also one of 3 finalists at the 2024 EPTA UK competition. In January 2025, Cristo made his concerto debut with the Lakeland Sinfonia, playing Mozart’s 12th concerto to great acclaim.

Cristo has recently finished a 2 year Artist diploma at the école normale de musique de Paris studying with renowned French pianist Pierre Reach, where he graduated receiving ‘mention très bien’ from the jury.