Our Mission
It is the mission of the Cliburn to advance classical piano
music throughout the world. Its international competitions,
education programs, and concert series embody an enduring
commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of young
artists.
The Cliburn fulfills its mission by conducting the quadrennial
Van Cliburn International Piano Competition; providing three years
of career management for competition finalists; organizing the
International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs™;
producing an annual concert series; and offering music education
and outreach programs in cooperation with North Texas independent
school districts.
Governance
The Cliburn is a not-for-profit organization governed by a board
of directors, elected for a four year term. It is sustained by the
generous support from individuals, foundations, corporations, the
tireless efforts of volunteers, and embraced by the community of
Fort Worth. The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is a
proud member of the World
Federation of International Music Competitions.
Programs
 |
Van Cliburn International Piano
Competition
Winning the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow
at the height of the Cold War in 1958 brought Van Cliburn
unprecedented celebrity for an American concert pianist. As he
toured the world and sold millions of records, he brought classical
music, often for the first time, to listeners of all ages. The Van
Cliburn International Piano Competition was created shortly
thereafter to perpetuate Van Cliburn's unique legacy of
demonstrating how classical music has the appeal to reach across
all borders. The quadrennial Cliburn Competition is considered one
of the most significant music competitions in the world. The
Fourteenth Competition will take place May 24-June 9, 2013.
|
 |
Career Management
It is the winners who have done the most to establish the Cliburn
as a leader in the world of classical music. In addition to winning
cash prizes, all six finalists of each Van Cliburn International
Piano Competition receive three years of management services,
touring across the United States and abroad. Over three years, the
six winners perform in more than 300 venues and collectively earn
more than $1,000,000.
|
 |
International Piano Competition for Outstanding
Amateurs™
Inaugurated in 1999, the International Piano Competition for
Outstanding Amateurs is the first of its kind in the United States.
This forum for gifted amateur pianists is open to musicians 35 and
older who do not earn a living through the performance of
instruction of piano. The weeklong festival brings together more
than 70 competitors for seven days of performances, symposia, and
social events.
|
 |
Cliburn Concerts
Widely regarded as the foremost classical performance series in
the region, Cliburn Concerts features the world's leading
recitalists, ensembles, and rising stars. The Cliburn Concerts
series is presented in the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance
Hall and at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
|
 |
Education
Now in its 12th year, Musical
Awakenings® serves
approximately 34,000 students with 125 programs in public
elementary schools with Tarrant County school districts. Programs
consist of live performances, interactive lesson plans, and
follow-up activities. Materials are integrated into the
state-mandated curriculum and address TEKS objectives. In 2005, the
Cliburn began offering weekly piano lessons to select Musical Awakenings students free of
charge. Additionally, the Cliburn stages free community concerts
every year for students, families, and senior citizens.
|
