Festival opens with gold medal pianist

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SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL From left, Sanibel Music Festival Board Member Sheryl Steele, pianist Aristo Sham, and Board Members Douglas Garde and David Conrad.

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SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL Florida Gulf Coast University piano students with Aristo Sham, at right.

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SANIBEL MUSIC FESTIVAL From left, concert sponsors Ann and Roger and Ann Cogswell with Aristo Sham.

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The Sanibel Music Festival opened its 39th season on March 3 with 2025 Cliburn International Piano Competition gold medalist Aristo Sham at the Sanibel Congregational United Church of Christ on Sanibel. He began with the D minor Chacone by J.S. Bach, an impossible piece that he has mastered like no other with passion, sound, fury, understanding and brilliant technique. Organizers reported that Sham continued with Variation on a Prelude in C minor by Chopin, along with selected pieces and a sonata by Brahms. The enjoyment for attendees was enhanced by a video camera for the keyboard. A highlight of the evening for six piano proteges from Florida Gulf Coast University was a “backstage” invitation to meet Sham and receive his autograph on their music. The annual festival took place from March 3-24 on select Tuesdays and Saturdays at the church.