Competitions

For pianists age 18 to 30
Seventeenth edition: May 21–June 7, 2025 (Fort Worth, Texas USA)

Established in 1962, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—“one of the most prestigious contests in classical music” (The New York Times, 2022)—remains committed to its original ideals: 1. launching the careers of emerging artists and supporting them with comprehensive, personalized career management and concert bookings; and 2. sharing the transformative powers of music with a wide global audience. The last edition in 2022 amassed more than 60 million views in 177 countries, making it one of the most-watched classical music events in history.

For pianists age 13 to 17
Fourth edition: June 10–June 19, 2027 (Dallas, Texas USA)

The Cliburn International Competition for Young Pianists (formerly the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival) was established in 2015 as another means for the Cliburn to use its standing and expertise to encourage tomorrow’s great artists, to provide a valuable forum for them to express themselves, and to give them an entrance to the next step of their journeys. Key ingredients are top international jurors, the media and webcast, Final Round performances with orchestra, and fellowship program, which included performance experience and artistic workshops.

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

For conductors age 21 to 35
Inaugural edition: June 2028 (Houston, Texas USA)

The Cliburn International Competition for Conductors in June 2028 will be the first major international conducting competition in North America.

After more than 25 years, the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition has been retired.