Nobuyuki Tsujii and Haochen Zhang, co-gold medalists of the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, have each signed with professional artist management firms. Mr. Tsujii's engagements will be managed by IMG Artists, except in Japan where Avex Classics International will continue to manage his appearances. Mr. Zhang will be managed by KAJIMOTO with representation by Opus 3 Artists  in North and South America.

This advancement to professional management represents a realization of one of the Cliburn's key goals--to nurture and launch the careers of its competition winners. Since its inception, the Foundation has remained committed to furthering the careers of these outstanding musicians by offering a prize package that includes not only a generous cash award but also three years of commission-free artist management services, thereby gaining worldwide visibility and recognition for its winners.

Cliburn Interim President and CEO Alann Bedford Sampson said: "We are so proud of Nobu and Haochen. This represents the next step in the development of meaningful, longterm careers. Their success is a testament to their artistry and dedication, and to the wisdom of the Cliburn jury."

Read more about what goes into managing the winners' careers here.