Cristo Harijan

Cristo Harijan has been praised for having “fluid virtuosity in combination with a mature and thoughtful musicality” by music critic William Byrne

And he will be showcasing his talent in a lunchtime concert at Bury Parish Church at 12.30pm.

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 the age of four.

After moving to the UK, Cristo was accepted into Chetham’s School of Music in Manchester in 2015 and was immediately noticed by head of keyboard Murray Mclachlan for his “fiery virtuosity”.

Cristo continued his studies with Murray at the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) where he graduated with a first class degree last year, receiving emphatic praise following his final recital.

While at the RNCM, Cristo performed many concerts at established venues including The Bridgewater Hall, Buxton Opera House, and St James’s 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 contest, the Krogulski International Piano Competition in Poland.

Since then he also received third medal in the Làszlò Spezzaferri International Music Prize in Italy, and passed to the final of the RNCM’s Mark Ray Piano Recital Prize in two consecutive years, winning it last year.