“A stunningly original pianist with musical insight and maturity that could inspire envy in colleagues twice his age” (Gramophone). Young Brazilian with Romanian parents, pianist Cristian Budu arises as a new reference for his unique artistry and outstanding achievements. He became the winner of one of the most important and prestigious competitions in the world, the Clara Haskil International Piano Competition, at its 50th anniversary (2013). It awards just one winner by edition, and sometimes none at all (at the next edition the prize was not awarded). Cristian’s first commercial solo CD launched in 2016 in Europe was awarded many important prizes: “Editor’s Choice” by Gramophone and “5-Diapasons” by Diapason, a seldom simultaneous appreciation. And by the end of 2017, this CD entered Gramophone's list of "Top 10 Chopin Recordings", for his interpretation of the 24 Preludes op.28. Also in 2017, his interpretation of Beethoven's 7 Bagatelles op.33 entered the "Top 10 Recent Beethoven Recordings" on Gramophone. When Cristian moved to Boston in 2010 he hosted musical evenings that directly inspired the foundation of Groupmuse in which he had a very important roll in its start and development.

It generated great impact in the music world and received the support of Boston Symphony Orchestra. In Brazil Cristian is the founder of Pianosofia, a project that takes classical music to houses through a community of musicians who cultivate the genuine love for Music also with the intention of reaching out to new public. Cristian started his musical studies with Elsa Klebanowski, a pupil of Wilhelm Kempff. He graduated from the University of Sao Paulo with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music having Eduardo Monteiro as his piano teacher, and he earned his Master’s Degree in Piano Performance under the guidance of Wha Kyung Byun at the New England Conservatory of Boston, also having lessons with Russell Sherman. Later on he received the Presidential Scholarship by the same institution when he was accepted for the Artist Diploma, a prestigious program that takes just one instrumentalist per year (sometimes none at all) and offers sponsorship and concerts in the United States. Cristian lives in Berlin today.