Faces to Watch in ’92 : These are the people Calendar’s critics and writers think you’ll be hearing about in 1992. In some cases, they’re familiar people who will experience a transitional year. Some are newcomers who could have a breakthrough year. : ALEXANDER SHTARKMAN

Don’t discount the underdog--from that position, much is possible. Consider Alexander Shtarkman, who took fourth place at the 1989 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Many observers in Fort Worth were made miserable at that decision; yet, in the 31 months since, Shtarkman has taken on the aura of a champion. When he played in a 300-seat hall in Santa Monica in October 1990, Martin Bernheimer noted his “strength, flash and eagerness,” as well as “sensitivity and mellow refinement.” Other leading critics in North American cities have seconded that assessment. When the 24-year-old Russian pianist returns here March 2, it will be in a major hall, Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena--but, ironically, on the low-priced Gold Medal series, which usually offers debuts by unknown artists. Belying that description, Shtarkman will play a heavy-guns program ending with Brahms’ complete “Paganini” Variations.