"Regardless of social and cultural
evolutions and revolutions, the Cliburn Competition has always been
the hallmark for the very best. That crystalline tradition carries
on--witness their laureates, and the standard of excellence
continues to soar."
- Asadour Santourian, Vice President for Artistic
Administration and Artistic Advisor, Aspen Music Festival and
School
"It is with pride that the Philharmonic is able to be a part of an
organization that strives to celebrate, honor, and encourage such
high achievement in classical music. Such talented artists are a
benefit to our community for they not only come to perform but
readily engage and educate our patrons and students during their
time here."
- Heidi Kelley, Executive Director, Abilene
Philharmonic
"The Van Cliburn Foundation is dedicated to finding and awarding a
diverse group of pianists that every audience members loves to hear
and every conductor appreciates. The dedication that the winners
show during rehearsals and performances is inspiring to many of
those involved in orchestras, including seasoned musicians and
conductors. It is classical music at its best."
- David Itkin, Music Director, Abilene Philharmonic and Las
Vegas Philharmonic
"It changed my life. It
opened professional doors for me that otherwise would have remained
shut. It showed me, I think, what it means to treat an artist with
respect and with dignity."
-Jon Nakamatsu, 1997 gold medalist
"The Cliburn Competition does not just prepare for a winner, a
person who can only win in competition. But they can actually
prepare you to…be a performing artist. And I think that's what
everyone wants. What every piano soloist wants. And I think the
Cliburn Competition certainly helped me in that respect."
-Haochen Zhang, 2009 gold medalist
"It's the idea of not just a competition for competition's sake,
but a competition for the sake of cultivating and preparing for a
professional career in performing that makes the Cliburn
Competition so successful."
-Haochen Zhang, 2009 gold medalist
"The winner of the Cliburn, a once-every-four-years event, can lay
claim to the title of best young piano player in the world."
-The Post-Standard
"It is impossible to think of any competition more generous to
young pianists or more sensitive to their needs. It's also
difficult to name another competition that is so successful as a
festival."
-The Baltimore Sun
