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 works from the Romantic era.

After moving to the UK Cristo was accepted into Chethams school of music in 2015, there he was immediately noticed by the 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 - a formidable programme including the Bach • Busoni Chaconne and the Liszt B minor sonata. 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, London. Cristo also had the opportunity to work directly with leading pianists such as Stephen Hough, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet 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 Làszlò Spezzaferri international music competition in Italy, and passed to the final of the RNCM’s Mark Ray recital prize two consecutive years, winning it in 2023. More