Praised by La Repubblica for his "solid technique, elegant style, and refined search for sound", Christian Pastorino (Genoa, 1996) is establishing himself on the concert scene through major accolades including, most recently, First Prize at the 25th "Franz Schubert" International Competition - City of Ovada (2025), and Second Prize at the "Paul Badura-Skoda" Competition in Vienna (2024).
A versatile pianist, Pastorino combines a deep foundation in the classical and romantic repertoire with a keen exploration of 20th-century and contemporary music. His performances range from Mozart and Beethoven to Ravel and Prokofiev, extending to modern piano literature by authors such as Marc-André Hamelin as well as works by emerging composers.
He has performed as a soloist and chamber musician in prominent concert venues and festivals, including the Ravenna Festival, the Giovine Orchestra Genovese (GOG), the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa, the Vatican Museums in Rome, the Teatro Sociale in Camogli, the Teatro Carbonetti in Broni, the Festival Paganiniano di Carro, the Voxonus Festival in Savona, the Genoa International Music Youth Festival, and the Musica d'Estate Festival in Bardonecchia. His concert activity has led him to perform across Italy, in cities and musical centers such as Genoa, Rome, Milan, Ravenna, Sanremo, Alessandria, Livorno, and La Spezia.
As a soloist with orchestra, he has performed on several occasions with the Orchestra of the Genoa Conservatory under the baton of Antonio Tappero Merlo — presenting a series of concerts in 2017 featuring Mozart’s Piano Concerto K. 466 — and recently with the Alba Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Nicola Davico at the Teatro Milanollo in Savigliano. At the Teatro Sociale di Camogli, he was also the featured soloist in Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3, Op. 37, in Vinzenz Lachner's rare arrangement for piano and string quintet. Alongside his solo activity, he is an active chamber musician, collaborating with nationally and internationally renowned artists in ensembles ranging from duos to larger chamber groups. Additionally, he has taken part in recording film soundtracks at the Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia in Rome.
He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Academic Diplomas with highest honors (summa cum laude and special mention) at the "Niccolò Paganini" Conservatory in Genoa, studying piano under Massimo Paderni and Cesare Castagnoli, and chamber music under Massimiliano Damerini. He pursued advanced studies with Roberto Plano at the Accademia di Musica di Pinerolo, attending masterclasses with Andrea Lucchesini, Riccardo Risaliti, and Benedetto Lupo. His training has been supported by scholarships from the Opera Pia Conservatorio Fieschi, the Fondazione Giuseppe Ponta, and the Rotary Club. He has also been awarded prizes in the "Loredana Laudisi Ponte," "Città di Albenga," and "Rospigliosi" competitions.