Van Cliburn was only twenty-three when he won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow on April 14, 1958, at the height of the Cold War.
Upon his return to the United States, the young pianist received a hero's welcome in New York City with a ticker-tape parade. This was the first and only time the city gave such an honor to a classical musician.
On that historic day, Van Cliburn became both cultural hero and unofficial diplomat. He went on to perform before every U.S. president from 1958 until today; the most famous of these concerts occurred in 1987 when he played for Ronald Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev in the White House. This occassion is now remembered as the day the Cold War was lost.
Inspired by Mr. Cliburn's extraordinary talent and love for music, a group of Fort Worth music teachers and private citizens established the Van Cliburn Foundation and International Piano Competition in 1962. Today, this competition is regarded as one of the world's preeminent musical events.
It is with great joy that we dedicate this Web site to Van Cliburn, upon the 50th Anniversary of his historic Moscow victory, which lifted many curtains around the world and ignited a renewed passion for classical music.
Join in this landmark celebration by sharing your own Van Cliburn stories. Please contact us with your tales of a memorable performance, a personal encounter, or how Van Cliburn's music has enriched your life.
