Haochen Zhang, 2009 gold medalist
"To me, Mr. Cliburn's most unique
achievement is not the fact that he was a living proof of how music
could transcend politics. That, to me, is self-evident. What
inspires me the most from him is that he presented to us an Age, an Age of his own, ideal in the
soul of every musician: an age when music, in the midst of a world
of muddy ugliness, could stand still, preserving its purity
unstained and claiming its principal uncompromised; an age when
music could physically fulfill its task which God had bestowed upon
it long ago when He first created it: peace, and beyond. We will
forever remember this musical giant, as well as the Age which he
presented to us."
Nobuyuki Tsujii, 2009 gold medalist
"I express my deepest sorrow about the death of Mr. Cliburn. His
personality and his achievements shine on me as a guiding star. It
will never be faded for ever. Thanks, Van."
Alex Kobrin, 2005 gold medalist
"Van Cliburn was the major example of a true dedication to music.
And you could hear his love, passion, devotion to music in every
note that came out of his fingers. Everything was about music, not
about himself in music. If he loved music that much- we have no
rights to love it less."
Olga Kern, 2001 gold medalist
"Van Cliburn was the greatest inspiration for me and he
will always be a greatest inspiration! He was the greatest musician
and greatest person! He was genius!!! Every word he was
saying and every note he was playing was dedicated to the most
incredible magic in this world- MUSIC. I will always follow his
advises and his way in the life of heavenly beautiful
music."
Stanislav Ioudenitch, 2001 gold medalist
"Van Cliburn burst upon the musical scene at the height
of the Cold War. It was an important moment. He reminded us
all that music is the lingua franca of the world.True citizenship
is not just a matter of politics and race; it unites citizens
everywhere. He was a great example to me at an important time in my
own life and to so many others. Because I learned from him what it
means to be a citizen of the planet. And so are we all. We don't
just remember his music; we remember his example."
Jon Nakamatsu, 1997 gold
medalist
"A hero to the world and a dear friend to each of us, Van
Cliburn truly inspired humanity and gave us hope. I will forever
treasure his music, kindness, compassion and his big Texas hugs. I
miss you, Van."
Simone Pedroni, 1993 gold medalist
"It is very difficult to find in an artist a coincidence between
his way of doing music and his real life. I think that the biggest
gift Van received from God, a gift shared with the people he met in
his extraordinary life, was this PERFECT coincidence between the
man and the music. An open, generous, and giving heart in music and
in life: his music was so emotionally compelling and intense as his
desire to help everyone and the community around him.An iconic
personality and an example for every human being."
José Feghali, 1985 gold medalist
"Van was one of the classiest and most humble human beings I have
known, as well as one of the best raconteurs. Those who knew him
will forever cherish the memories, his friendship and generosity of
spirit. Thank you, Van, for being such a beautiful presence and
inspiration in our lives."
André-Michel Schub, 1981 gold medalist
"How blessed we are to have known Van, the noble and generous
human being. How blessed we are to have heard Van, the sublime and
poetic artist."
Vladimir Viardo, 1973 gold
medalist
"Van transformed my musical life when I heard his performance at
the age of 7,
Van transformed my life when I won competition at age of 23,
Van transformed political life of the world with his art and
became a symbol of the détente, Van also was a warm friend to all
his constants and now we all are mourning."
Radu Lupu, 1966 gold medalist
"One comes across 'greatness' seldom in life. I feel Van Cliburn
was one of those, not only for his sublime playing that inspired
generations of pianists, but also for his infectious joie de vivre,
his goodness and kindness, his modesty and incomparable generosity.
I mourn along with those who knew and loved him."
Ralph Votapek, 1962 gold medalist
"Van Cliburn was an inspiration to me. His dedication to music,
his positive outlook, and the tremendous effect he had on audiences
made classical music relevant to so many. I will always treasure
his friendship."
