2017–2022 Quintennial Report

The Cliburn advances classical piano music throughout the world. Its international competitions, education programs, and concert series embody an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of new artists.

MISS IO N

There are extraordinary times in history—perhaps only a few in a generation—when art touches the world in a uniquely momentous way. When a person or event meets us at just at the right moment, and we are touched; we are reminded of our commonality and the beauty of life.

The Cliburn was founded because of such a moment. American Van Cliburn won the First International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow at the height of the Cold War and instantly became a worldwide superstar, with the largest ticket and record sales ever seen in classical music. His extraordinary talent and humanitarianism became a beacon to the world during a very dark time, and he remains a historic symbol of the transcendence of music.

This Quintennial Report will act as a summary of the last five years of the Cliburn, the organization founded in his spirit, his vision for music, and his dedication to music and young artists. This would normally be a four-year cycle report, but that was changed by a global pandemic, the likes of which hadn’t been seen in a century.

In early 2020, the Cliburn was fresh off of a hugely successful Junior Competition and Festival, its first major program to take place outside of Fort Worth. It was deep in planning for both the 2020 Amateur Competiiton and the 2021 Cliburn Competition, when, like all arts organizations around the world, it found itself quickly pivoting—canceling or postponing concerts, galas, and competitions, and creating meaningful ways for people to connect digitally.

As the rescheduled Cliburn Competition drew near in spring 2022, the emergence from the pandemic was anything but straightforward for the performing arts, and it was obvious that the world was hungry for the shared experience of live music. When Russia invaded Ukraine just days before the Screening Auditions, our work was tinged with even greater urgency. Advocacy for the work of musicians and a commitment to allowing voices to be heard drove the decision making and

At last, the group that gathered in Fort Worth in June—competitors, jurors, guest artists, webcast hosts, journalists, and fans in the hall—as well as millions watching online, bore witness to the confluence of these factors, and once again to a moment. A moment when art reigned supreme and the world came together, and we all saw the emergence of an extraordinary new star.

2022 Gold Medalist Yunchan Lim performs in the Semifinal Round at the Competition. Credit: Ralph Lauer

Welcome to our first Quintennial Report to you, our stakeholders. The Cliburn traditionally operates on a four-year cycle, during which it produces three international piano competitions, at least three galas, and annual educational programs and concert series. All of our strategic and financial planning, as well as our Board and Committee terms, are based on that quadrennial cycle. But thanks to the global pandemic we all experienced over the past couple of years, we’ve had to be more nimble than usual, hence this celebration of our extremely successful 2017–2022 five-year round.

For the first time ever, the Cliburn established a major international competition outside of Fort Worth. The Second Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival was held in May and June of 2019 at the SMU Meadows School of Music and concluded in a thrilling Final Round with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ruth Reinhardt, at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Over 7,000 music lovers attended the competition in person, including Laura Bush, our Honorary Chairman, while the 52 performances were viewed online in 120 countries. Congratulations to our winners: Shuan Hern Lee of Australia, Eva Gevorgyan of Russia/Armenia, and JiWon Yang of South Korea. And special thanks to Jury Chairman Alessio Bax, the Junior League of Dallas, and all of our new friends, volunteers, and patrons in Dallas!

The Eighth Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition was to be held in the summer of 2020, but COVID had other plans. Fortunately, this unique and heartwarming competition has been rescheduled for October 2022, and we look forward to sharing the results soon!

Reams of news- and cyber-print and thousands of online hours have been devoted to the incredible 2022 Cliburn. Held in June at the brand new Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU, and once again at Bass Performance Hall, the Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was an experience for the ages. Congratulations to our winners: Yunchan Lim of South Korea, Anna Geniushene of Russia, and Dmytro Choni of Ukraine. You stole our hearts and those of millions of classical music fans around the globe. Special gratitude goes to our world-renowned jury, chaired by the incomparable Marin Alsop.

The mission of the Cliburn is to advance classical music throughout the world, and that duty encompasses not only the finest piano competitions, but the best educational and concert experiences produced anywhere. Cliburn Concerts brings touring performers from around the world, including some of our own medalists, to fun places like the Kimbell, the Modern, Bass Hall, The Post at River East, and Tulips FW. Cliburn in the Community brings live music performance to all manner of venues such as libraries, retirement communities, and public parks. Cliburn in the Classroom introduces elementary school students to classical music through interactive activities leveraging multiple intelligences including linguistic, logical and mathematical, spatial, physical, and interpersonal disciplines. And Cliburn Kids, our collection of more than sixty 7–10 minute videos, teaches children about classical music, either in the classroom or at home.

There is never a dull moment around the Cliburn! Just ask our 600+ volunteers or our stellar staff, led by Jacques Marquis…if you can slow them down long enough to get their attention. It has been the highest honor of my life to work with these gifted and talented leaders as chairman for the past five years, and I look forward to the next three, if I can only keep up with these people!

With love and deepest gratitude,

Jeffrey B. King Chairman of the Board

Times Square. Credit: Peter Pabon

Dear friends,

The next pages will tell you the story of the Cliburn in the last five years, from 2017 to 2022! This story has many twists, and overall, a fantastic ending!

The last Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was one to remember! Our flagship program is now among one of the most-seen classical music events worldwide. Thank you to our Gold Medalist Yunchan Lim for his impressive performances, thank you to all the pianists for being part of one of the higheststandard piano competitions ever, and thank you to our wonderful webcast crew, host, and co-hosts, who made the Cliburn accessible and fun in 177 countries, with more than 25 million views!

But, before we get there, the road has been long… let’s go back a little.

Before the pandemic, we produced a fabulous Junior Competition and Festival in Dallas. This initiative gave us the opportunity to expand the Cliburn brand throughout DFW, to create interesting artistic and event partnerships (SMU, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Nasher Sculpture Center, Dallas Museum of Art, NorthPark Center, Klyde Warren Park, to name a few), and to engage with new donors and patrons. Our Junior Competition is now one of the top contests of its kind in the world, and we attract the best young pianists of the future. For example, all three finalists of the 2019 edition also made the the finals of the prestigious Chopin Competition, Alim Beisembayev (2015 Cliburn Junior first prize) won the 2021 Leeds Competition, and most recently, Clayton Stephenson (2015 Junior jury discretionary award) had a remarkable journey into the finals of the 2022 Cliburn last June.

Because of the pandemic, we had to postpone two competitions (Amateur 2020 and Cliburn 2021), cancel many concerts, and also halt also our education programs in schools. With the focus of staying relevant to our artists, audiences, and donors, the Cliburn bounced back with many projects. We established online programs (Cliburn Masterpiece, Cliburn Kids, Cliburn Watch Party, Cliburn Amateur Spotlight). We also launched new live initiatives like outdoor Pop-Up Concerts on patios, and a summer series at TX Whiskey Ranch.

The pinnacle of the cycle of five years is, without a doubt, the 2022 VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION! Yunchan Lim, our gold medalist, is now followed by millions of fans over the world. Marin Alsop, jury chair and conductor for the Final Round, was a fantastic new addition to the Cliburn, as were all the jury members (mostly new). From millions of viewers on the webcast, to the iconic picture of the winners at Times Square, the Cliburn brought the eyes of the world to Fort Worth!

It is important to have international recognition, but we never forget where we come from. In Fort Worth, we produced many concerts and fun events to to engage with our hometown in the lead up to the Competition. Continuing our tradition of innovation, the Cliburn commissioned a mural on the Near Southside of Fort Worth (South Main and Vickery), installed piano crosswalks in front of Bass Hall, promoted the Cliburn in the windows of the Sundance Square Pavilion, and collaborated with Visit Fort Worth to produce a song with a pop singer, a rapper, and a pianist that we took to South by Southwest!

Over these last five years, we could count on a fantastic team of volunteers involved in all facets of our activities and programs. In particular, the Junior Leagues of Fort Worth and Dallas were instrumental in supporting our many programs. We cannot thank the volunteers enough for their dedication and hard work.

The story is continually evolving and we thank the board, the volunteers, the donors and supporters, and the team, for being an essential part of the Cliburn in Fort Worth!

Jacques Marquis President and CEO

The new Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU during the Quarterfinal Round. Credit: Ralph Lauer

• 2017 Winners Tours launched; Decca Gold recordings released

• Cliburn Concerts and Cliburn Sessions

• Cliburn Festival: the music of Russia

• Cliburn in the Community

• Cliburn in the Classroom increased from 250 to 275 programs

• Collaboration with Texas Ballet Theater on Seven Sonatas, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky, featuring Sean Chen

2017–2018 2018–2019

• Cliburn Concerts and Cliburn Sessions

• Cliburn Festival: Iconic Paris

• Cliburn in the Community

• Cliburn in the Classroom increased to 300 programs

• Second Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival presented in Dallas

Clockwise from top left: 2017 Gold Medalist Yekwon Sunwoo in concert ot the Yellow Lounge in Korea; Natasha Paremski at The Post at River East; 2022 Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene and Marin Alsop; the 2019 Cliburn Junior winners.

2019–2021

• Cliburn Concerts and Cliburn Sessions, until they were suspended for the COVID pandemic

• Beethoven at 250 Festival and Cliburn at the Bass

• Digital Series Launched: Cliburn Masterpiece, Cliburn Kids, Cliburn Watch Parties

• Amateur Competition postponed; Digital Amateur Spotlight launched

• Van Cliburn International Piano Competition postponed

• Outdoor Pop-Up Concerts at The Post at River East and TX Whiskey Ranch

• Cliburn in the Community

• Cliburn Essentials - Digital/In-Person Hybrid Concert Series

2021–2022

• Cliburn Concerts resumed

• Cliburn in the Classroom resumed

• Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

• First Cliburn Mural

• Collaboration with Visit Fort Worth; South by Southwest

• Countdown to the Cliburn community concert series

• 2022 Winners Career Management development

SIXTEENTH VAN CLIBURN

INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

June 2–18, 2022 I Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU & Bass Performance Hall

The lead up to the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was anything but predictable. The global pandemic caused its firstever postponement. Russia tyrannically invaded Ukraine just before the Screening Auditions in March, and the Cliburn, a non-political, artist-loving and -supporting organization above all else, made the decision to allow Russian pianists—who are not officials of their government—to compete.

Prior to the onslaught of these uncontrollable outside factors, the key facets of the Competition were already put into place to make for a truly momentous event. Marin Alsop—the glass-ceiling shattering conductor, music director, and education enthusiast—would be the first-ever woman to serve as jury chair or to conduct at the Cliburn. The contest would also return to TCU, its original home, to host the first two rounds at the University’s new Van Cliburn Concert Hall. Then there was the addition of another concerto with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in the Final Round at Bass Performance Hall, creating the (now realized) possibility of hearing Beethoven, Grieg, Chopin, and Gershwin alongside the traditional Competition warhorses by Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninov, and Prokofiev. And the webcast—a vital component of the Cliburn since 2001, when it was the first classical music contest broadcast online—was planned to be bigger and better than ever: free for all to view on more platforms than any prior competition in its field; a new premium option that offered 4K picture and surround sound (again, a first); and a newscast-style format hosted by the incomparable Buddy Bray, designed to engage viewers at a higher level. All this—and, because of the historic one-year delay—the Cliburn would be celebrating its 60th Anniversary during the Competition.

These were the elements that set the stage prior to the competitors’ arrival. But what ultimately resulted was far greater than the sum of its parts. An unrivaled celebration of the gorgeous and deeply inspiring transcendence of music. And the emergence of the world’s newest classical music stars.

THE ARTISTIC VISION

A RECORD-BREAKING 388 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED FROM 51 COUNTRIES.

Through an extended process, a pre-screening panel reviewed the applications, while plans were made to hold all live Screening Auditions in Fort Worth, for the first time; the pandemic made the international 8-city audition tour challenging.

72 WERE CHOSEN TO PERFORM IN LIVE SCREENING AUDITIONS, BEFORE A 5-MEMBER JURY.

SCREENING JURY

Angela Cheng, CANADA

Arnaldo Cohen, BRAZIL

Christopher Elton, UNITED KINGDOM

Alexander Kobrin, UNITED STATES

PRE-SCREENING PANEL

Lydia Artymiw, UNITED STATES

Michel Beroff, FRANCE

Dominique Morel, CANADA

James Parker, CANADA

Anton Nel, SOUTH AFRICA/UNITED STATES Roberto Plano, ITALY

30 PIANISTS, AGED 18 TO 31 AND REPRESENTING 14 COUNTRIES, WERE CHOSEN TO RETURN TO FORT WORTH TO COMPETE.

June 2–4, 2022: Preliminary Round (30 competitors) – 40-minute recital including commissioned work by Sir Stephen Hough

June 5–6, 2022: Quarterfinal Round (18 competitors) – 40-minute recital

June 8–12, 2022: Semifinal Round (12 competitors)

Phase I – 60-minute recital

Phase II – Mozart concerto with Nicholas McGegan & the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

June 14–18, 2022: Final Round (6 competitors)

Two concertos with Marin Alsop & the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra New! Second concerto added to the Final Round

THE 9-MEMBER JURY COMPRISED SOME OF THE TOP PERFORMING PIANISTS OF OUR TIME.

Marin Alsop, jury chair, UNITED STATES

Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, FRANCE

Alessio Bax, ITALY

Rico Gulda, AUSTRIA

Andreas Haefliger, SWITZERLAND

Wu Han, CHINA TAIWAN/UNITED STATES

Sir Stephen Hough, UNITED KINGDOM

Anne-Marie McDermott, UNITED STATES

Orli Shaham, ISRAEL/UNITED STATES

Lilya Zilberstein, GERMANY

AND THE WINNERS WERE CHOSEN.

YUNCHAN LIM, gold, SOUTH KOREA

ANNA GENIUSHENE, silver, RUSSIA

DMYTRO CHONI, bronze, UKRAINE

L: 2022 Gold Medalist Yunchan Lim performs with Marin Alsop and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. R: 2022 Medalists. Credit: Ralph Lauer

THE WORLDWIDE PRESS

More than 70 journalists from around the world covered the 2022 Competition in person, with hundreds more following online through the webcast. 2000+ articles were written across 50 countries, reaching countless people with news of the outstanding talent showcased on the Cliburn stage and winning new fans for classical music. Another 3000+ pieces were written in Korea alone, about Gold Medalist Yunchan Lim.

THE COMPETITION WAS COVERED BY MEDIA OUTLETS IN:

Argentina

Armenia

Australia

Bahrain

Belgium

Bosnia and Herzegovina

Brazil

Canada

China

China Taiwan

Grenada

Montenegro Netherlands

New Zealand

Oman

Pakistan

Philippines

Poland

Portugal

Romania

Russia

Singapore

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Turkey

United Arab Emirates

United Kingdom

United States

Vietnam

THE WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY

The Cliburn’s active presence on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and WeChat created a community around music this June; an unprecedented number of music fans from every part of the world connected, watched, and discussed what was happening on stage in Fort Worth.

BY THE NUMBERS

Since June 1, the Cliburn social media accounts have seen more than:

300 million impressions (times posts were seen)

80,000 new followers across platforms (a 141% increase)

4 million engagements (shares, likes, comments)

THE WORLDWIDE AUDIENCE

The 2022 Cliburn webcast raised the bar, across the board. A team of 40 professionals, expertly led by our longtime partners at Framework Productions and HYFI, created a beautiful, informative, and entertaining show that spotlighted competitors and gave viewers engaging commentary and behind-the-scenes views with expert hosting from Buddy Bray and an array of co-hosts: Peter Dugan, Angela Cheng, Jon Nakamatsu, and Liz Roe.

TOTAL COMPETITION WEBCAST VIEWS

5x

50x

NOW THE MOST POPULAR RACH 3 ON YOUTUBE MORE THAN 8 MILLION VIEWS

THE NUMBERS

The 2022 webcast has become one of the most-watched classical music events of all time, with more than:

25 million views in 177 countries

3 million hours watched (that’s 180 million minutes)

PROGRAMS

PROGRAMSWINNERS CAREER MANAGEMENT

WINNERS CAREER MANAGEMENT

2017 CLIBURN WINNERS (2017–2022)

More significant than the coveted Cliburn medals and cash prizes, the medalists of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition are offered an unparalleled opportunity to launch careers as concert pianists through concert bookings, recordings, and significant media exposure. The Cliburn also works closely with each to give personalized mentorship and advice as they adjust to a busy concert schedule and life as a public figure, and begin to form long-term artistic plans. This fulfills our mission of identifying extraordinary pianists with a clear artistic vision, and gives them a platform to share their gifts through a meaningful career. The career management prize, including engagement fees the medalists will earn, is valued at over $1.5 million.

Since 2017, the winners of the Fifteenth Cliburn Competition have been heard in over 300 performances in Europe, Asia, Australia, and North and South America. In addition to regular concert activities, they have formed forward-thinking collaborations with dance companies, artists of various genres, and designers, and have committed to providing mentorship and teaching to the next generation of young artists.

“a pianist who commands a comprehensive technical arsenal that allows him to thunder without breaking a sweat” – Chicago Tribune

Highlights: Since his Cliburn gold medal win, the Korean pianist has graced the cover of Forbes Korea as one of 40 power leaders, was declared “one to watch” by International Piano magazine, and was featured in the Korean reality show “Stranger.” He released an introspective two-disc Mozart album in 2020 and maintains an active concert schedule in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He splits his time between Berlin and Seoul, where he started a young artist mentorship program.

YEKWON SUNWOO Gold medalist

Credit: Ralph Lauer

2017 Winners Promotional Photos Credit: Jeremy Enlow

“Broberg played with the sincerity often missing among today’s bombastic virtuosos, as well as an intimate colorful sound… thoughtful and probing, performed with a transparent, light touch, which seems to be becoming one of his trademarks.” – Honolulu Star Advertiser

Highlights: Kenny followed his Cliburn silver medal with a bronze at the 2019 International Tchaikovsky Competition before winning the 2021 American Pianists Awards. In the last five years, he has traversed Europe, Asia, Australia, and North America on tour and has begun to include his own short compositions in recitals. His first studio album of Medtner and Scriabin is slated for release in late 2022. He is currently artist-in-residence at the University of Indianapolis and was recently appointed deputy professor at the Reina Sofía School of Music in Madrid.

“a poet…[with] an expressive edge to his playing that charms, questions, and coaxes” –Philadelphia Inquirer

Highlights: The bronze medalist was profiled as “one to watch” by International Piano magazine and enjoys a burgeoning concert career in North America, Europe, and Asia. Recent and upcoming highlights include collaborations with Gemma New, Ruth Reinhardt, Courtney Lewis, and Hannu Lintu, as well as performances with the Vancouver Recital Society and at South by Southwest. He graduated from Curtis in 2019, and recently moved to the Bay Area. Co-developer of the award-winning Workflow app (now known as Siri Shortcuts), he still enjoys flexing his tech brain.

2022 CLIBURN WINNERS

(2021–2022)

The Cliburn Competition can be a phenomenal springboard to an international career; the career management prize package gives the winners a platform to be heard, but it is up to them to transform these opportunities into a meaningful, long-term career. It is our aim to provide them the tools, advice, and flexibility to successfully navigate the industry and thrive as artists and as people. Over the next three years, the Cliburn will give personalized mentorship and attention to each of the three medalists, addressing the following key issues:

—ARTISTIC PLANNING AND TOUR MANAGEMENT: including concert bookings (in coordination with Keynote Artist Management, LIU KOTOW Artist Management, and Halac Artists), recordings, repertoire and concerto planning, and special projects

—PUBLIC IMAGE AND PR: including development of public persona, website and promotional materials, traditional and social media training, and press relations

—LEGAL AND FINANCIAL PLANNING: visas, insurance, tax, and financial planning

KENNY BROBERG Silver medalist

DANIEL HSU Bronze medalist

Credit: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

PROGRAMSCLIBURN JUNIOR COMPETITION AND FESTIVAL FIRST MAJOR PROGRAM IN DALLAS

PROGRAMS

SECOND

CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL JUNIOR PIANO COMPETITION & FESTIVAL

May 31–June 8, 2019 • Caruth Auditorium at SMU & Meyerson Symphony Center

In June 2015, the Cliburn hosted its inaugural Junior Competition and Festival—the first major program to be added to the Cliburn roster since 1999—as a tool to continue to round out the realization of its mission. Aimed at the encouragement and development of extraordinary pianists aged 13 to 17 from around the world, the new Competition was hailed as a resounding success by competitors, patrons, volunteers, artistic collaborators, and media alike.

For the second edition in 2019, the Cliburn made another bold move, producing the Junior Competition and Festival in Dallas—the first time the organization had hosted a major program outside of Fort Worth. The result was a host of new, excited partners, supporters, and patrons.

L: 2019 Third-prize winner JiWon Yang performs; R (top to bottom): Josephine Chan is interviewed for the webcast with Buddy Bray and Rachel Naomi Kudo; Second-prize winner Eva Gevorgyan performs in the Final Round; Ishan Loomba takes a masterclass with Alexander Kobrin; First-prize winner Shuan Hern Lee performs; Competitors enjoy the midweek Burger Party. Credit: Ralph Lauer

THE NUMBERS

THE COMPETITORS

230 outstanding young pianists from 32 countries applied to participate. 23 competitors, plus an additional 14 festival participants represented 14 countries: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Canada, China, China Taiwan, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Russia, South Korea, Spain, Thailand, and the United States.

THE COMPETITION

7 internationally esteemed jurors chaired by renowned pianist Alessio Bax heard nearly 21 hours of music during 12 concerts over 4 Competition rounds, providing individual notes to competitors on 52 performances; 6 hours of rehearsals prepared finalists for concerto performances with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and conductor Ruth Reinhardt More than 7,000 attended performances in person.

THE FESTIVAL

5 symposia and workshops were presented by 20 specialists on topics ranging from working with an orchestra to career building; free community performances were given by 20 competitors at 4 locations. Over 1,600 attended Festival events.

THE WEBCAST

34 hours of performances, commentary, and interviews, hosted by Buddy Bray, with co-hosts Rachel Naomi Kudo and Sean Chen, were broadcast live online over the course of 7 days and were posted for on-demand viewing. Views topped 650,000 for over 4 million minutes watched by viewers in 120 countries.

THE MEDIA

30 journalists covered the Competition in person—major Dallas-Fort Worth outlets plus members of the media from Europe, Asia, and Australia—with many more writing from around the world; outreach resulted in over 120 stories in June 2019 alone, including outlets in Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Potential reach from media coverage was estimated to be over 51 million people.

THE WINNERS

Shuan Hern Lee, first prize, AUSTRALIA

Eva Gevorgian, second prize, RUSSIA/ARMENIA

JiWon Yang, third prize, SOUTH KOREA

PROGRAMS PROGRAMSCLIBURN CONCERTS

CLIBURN CONCERTS

More than 45 years ago, the Cliburn established Cliburn Concerts, a recital series designed to engage and provide beautiful concerts for the supportive Fort Worth community during the “interim years” of the Cliburn Competition. The addition of this major new program has resulted in over four decades of great artists gracing North Texas stages under its auspices. Venues and programming have evolved over the years—always with the goal of creating singular, unforgettable moments between artist and audience. 2014 saw the addition of Cliburn Sessions, with great classical musicians performing in casual, fun new venues.

The past few years emphasized the importance of the communal, live concert experience. When the pandemic forced arts organizations around the world to cancel concert series, the Cliburn reacted in multiple ways, to ensure that people could still find community around music. It quickly developed safe ways to present in-person performances, Cliburn Pop-Up Concerts, that were also filmed for those who could not attend. The result was the discovery of several non-traditional venues that not only served the existing Cliburn Family, but also brought new audiences into classical music. Now, in addition to Bass Performance Hall, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the Cliburn presents concerts at The Post at River East, Tulips FW, and TX Whiskey Ranch.

2017–2022 CLIBURN CONCERTS, SESSIONS, & FESTIVAL ARTISTS

Michelle

PIANO. Teddy Abrams, John Arida, Emanuel Ax, Inon Barnatan, Kenny Broberg, Sean Chen, Peter Dugan, Julio Elizalde, Yuri Favorin, Fei-Fei, Till Fellner, Leon Fleisher, David Fray, Adam Golka, Filippo Gorini, Steven Harlos, Sir Stephen Hough, Daniel Hsu, Kathleen Jacobson, Olga Kern, Dasol Kim, Igor Levit, George Li, Malcolm Martineau, Alex McDonald, Evan Mitchell, Jon Nakamatsu, Christina Naughton,

Naughton, Enrico Pace, Natasha Paremski, Roman Rabinovich, Nathan Ryland, Louis Schwizgebel, Yeol Eum Son, Kate Stevens, Yekwon Sunwoo, Georgy Tchaidze, Alexandre Tharaud, Jonathan Tsay, Zhu Wang, Joyce Yang.

Time for Three performs at the Cliburn Summer Series at TX Whiskey Ranch. Credit: Leo Wesson

VIOLIN.

CLIBURN FESTIVAL

In 2015, the Cliburn launched the Cliburn Festival, a new annual initiative designed to examine different perspectives in music—such as the work of a singular composer, the music of a particular moment in history, or a significant stylistic movement. The three editions presented this cycle brought deep dives into drastically different themes, providing rich cultural and educational experiences, while bringing new audience members and artists into the Cliburn family. Prior to the pandemic, the Cliburn presented three Festivals (2018, 2019, 2020) at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.

ENSEMBLE. Aaron Diehl Trio, Brooklyn Rider, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Junction Trio, MAKE Trio, PUBLIQuartet, Rolston String Quartet, Time for Three, Verona Quartet, The Westerlies, WindSync. CONDUCTOR. Miguel Harth-Bedoya, Eugene Tzigane.

Ray Chen, Amy Faires, Randall Goosby, Leonidas Kavakos, Jennifer Koh, Tessa Lark, Swang Lin, Michael Shih, Chloé Trevor, Charles Yang. VIOLA. Sarah Kienle. CELLO. Leda Larson, Joshua Roman, Camille Thomas, Alisa Weilerstein. HARP. Bridget Kibbey. WINDS. Louis Arques, Stanislav Chernyshev, Jake Fridkis, Kevin Hall, Jennifer Corning Lucio, Ivan Petruzziello. HORN. Molly Norcross. PERCUSSION. Samuel Torres, Ivan Trevino. VOICE. Jonathan Beyer, Lawrence Brownlee, Corrie Donovan, Susan Graham, David Grogan, Isabel Leonard, Eric Owens, Ava Pine, Twyla Robinson. COMPOSER. Vijay Iyer, Gabriel Kahane, Hannah Lash.

Yeol Eum Son performs with the FWSO and Eugene Tzigane at Bass Hall. Credit: Rodger Mallison

Randall Goosby & Zhu Wang perform at The Post at River East. Credit: Ralph Lauer

Sir Stephen Hough performs at the Kimbell Art Museum. Credit: Richard Rodriguez

Rolston String Quartet performs at the Cliburn Festival at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Credit: Ralph Lauer

PROGRAMS PROGRAMSCLIBURN EDUCATION & OUTREACH

CLIBURN IN THE COMMUNITY

For years, the Cliburn has gone out into the North Texas community to provide free concerts. This cycle, Cliburn in the Community brought the experience of live classical music performance to a broad audience through partnerships with vibrant venues and organizations throughout the Fort Worth area. Young, emerging artists participated in residencies that included performances and other community engagement opportunities.

Over 7,500 attended Cliburn in the Community concerts this cycle.

2017–2022 ARTISTS. Alina Bercu, Kenny Broberg, Rachel Cheung, Sara Doan, Corrie Donovan, Avery Gagliano, Daniel Hsu, Youlan Ji, Rachel Li, Alex McDonald, Evan Mitchell, Stephen Page, Leonardo Pierdomenico, PUBLIQuartet, Clayton Stephenson.

PARTNERS. Benbrook Public Library, Chandor Gardens, The Shops at Clearfork, Fort Worth Public Library, NorthPark Center, LeaderKids, Old Agnes School, I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA, Fort Worth Academy of Fine Arts, B-Sharp Youth Music Program, Fort Worth Youth Orchestra, 60 & Better, Inc, Sundance Square, Fossil Ridge High School, University Baptist Church, Brighter Outlook, Alzheimer’s Association, James L. West Center, North Richland Hills Parks & Recreation, Dallas Museum of Art, Children’s Medical Center Dallas, Klyde Warren Park, Parks for Downtown Dallas, Downtown Fort Worth Inc., Presbyterian Night Shelter True Worth Place, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital, Frisco City Hall, Walsh, Levitt Pavilion, White’s Chapel UMC, St. Andrew UMC.

CLIBURN 180°

Cliburn 180° is a social group for arts-minded young professionals that focuses on classical music for their generation. Established in 2009 for people in their 20s and 30s, it offers fun social events and opportunities to stay engaged with the arts community in Fort Worth. Members also serve as social hosts to Cliburn competitors, stepping in as a similarly aged welcome committee to help show the young pianists the town.

This cycle, annual memberships were around 100. The group also organized two Cliburn Cocktail Competitions as fundraisers.

PUBLIQuartet works with B-Sharp Youth Music Program students. Credit: Leo Wesson

Kenny Broberg at South Hills Elementary.

Credit: Leo Wesson

Credit: Richard Rodriguez

CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

The signature music education program Cliburn in the Classroom presents the excitement of live piano performances to second-, third-, and fourth-grade students and reinforces the basic elements of music through fun, interactive activities within the context of classical piano repertoire. Students see professional musicians perform pieces composed by Beethoven, Chopin, Bach, and many more. This cycle, the number of in-school programs increased from 250 to 300 per year, prior to the pandemic. (Schedule resumed in Spring 2022.)

THE FACTS

• FREE for schools and students.

• The program reaches approximately 50,000 students annually in 185 North Texas elementary schools—all Fort Worth ISD elementary schools, plus nine other districts.

• The Cliburn’s education piano—a 5’7” Steinway grand—travels over 5,000 miles annually, visiting North Texas schools.

• Cliburn in the Classroom programs are written by Dr. John Feierabend, professor emeritus of music education at the Hartt School of the University of Hartford, and Buddy Bray, principal keyboardist for the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Cliburn artistic consultant.

• 91 percent of campuses served are Title I schools.

• Approximately 85 percent of students served are classified as “economically disadvantaged” by the Texas Education Agency.

ADOPT-A-COMPETITOR

The Cliburn initiated Adopt-a-Competitor in 1997, in collaboration with Fort Worth ISD, to give children a direct link to the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Competitors volunteered to present concerts to local elementary school students, answer questions, and take pictures. Students then tracked their competitor’s progress throughout the Competition. Since the program’s inception, North Texas kids have met and learned about 57 Cliburn competitors, including four medalists.

For the 2022 Competition, the Cliburn partnered with the Fort Worth Public Library, giving families throughout the community the unique opportunity to get a preview of the Competition. Participating branches created their own displays and activities to learn about, celebrate, and welcome each performer, and followed them throughout the Competition with watch parties planned.

The following competitors were adopted by libraries: Anna Geniushene, Arseniy Gusev, Elizaveta Kliuchereva, Denis Linnik, Jonathan Mak, Vitaly Starikov, Sergey Tanin, and Xiaolu Zang.

Cliburn in the Classroom at Washington Heights Elementary. Credit: Leo Wesson

Elizaveta Kliuchereva performs at Adopt-ACompetitor. Credit: Leo Wesson

PROGRAMS PROGRAMSVAN CLIBURN LEGACY

VAN CLIBURN (1934–2013), our inspiration and namesake, was an American hero and an international icon for over five decades. He was beloved not only for his momentous gift as a brilliant musician, but also for his transcendent spirit as a great humanitarian. All Cliburn programs aim to continue his unique and powerful vision of sharing classical music with as many people as possible and supporting exceptional young talent.

CLIBURN.ORG/VAN-CLIBURN

Credit: Rachel Parker

VAN CLIBURN: AN AMERICAN HERO

Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Children’s Education Program and the Cliburn collaborated to create a brand-new arts education program in 2014. Utilizing actors, a concert pianist, and video projections, this one-of-a-kind production teaches children about the life, music, and significance of Van Cliburn.

“Van Cliburn: An American Hero,” written and directed by Dallas Theater Center Associate Artistic Director Joel Ferrell, has been presented at Bass Performance Hall to 12,000 Fort Worth Independent School District fourth graders annually since its debut, including in fall 2017, 2018, and 2019, with a pause the last two years due to the pandemic.

“What better way for kids to learn about this important time period in world history—and be exposed to classical music in a compelling way—than through such a powerful, real life story?” said Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO. “The live performance features the piano works he loved and played, and serves to ensure that Van’s legacy—his political and musical significance—continues to spread to the next generation.”

VAN CLIBURN: CLASSICAL PIANIST AND INTERNATIONAL ICON

After moving its offices to 201 Main Street, Suite 100 (the ground floor of the Wells Fargo Tower), in downtown Fort Worth, the Cliburn began planning an installation to tell the story of Van Cliburn through a display of significant memorabilia. The space opened in May 2017 and is free and open to the public during Cliburn office hours.

A few highlights of the exhibit are the first place medal Van Cliburn won at the 1958 Tchaikovsky Competition; his 1959 Grammy® Award; his platinum record, for the first classical LP to sell one million copies; the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President George W. Bush in 2003; personal letters from Presidents Reagan, Clinton, and Obama; and a plaster cast of Mr. Cliburn’s hands.

Credit: Ralph Lauer

PROGRAMSCLIBURN DIGITAL PROGRAMS

DIGITAL PROGRAMS

In March 2020, amid concert and competition cancelations and postponements, the Cliburn responded quickly to continue its mission through new online initiatives and bring its worldwide community together virtually, in a safe and joyful space for us all, no matter age, culture, or physical location. This new collection of digital programs was called Cliburn at Home

CLIBURN MASTERPIECE

Cliburn Masterpiece examines the who, what, when, where, and how of the greatest piano works. Cliburn laureates and other esteemed specialists join host Buddy Bray to lead us through the story of each piece—the composer, the background, the narrative, the characters, the technical difficulties, and more. Each episode ends with a standout, full performance of the piece from a past Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

CLIBURN KIDS

For our youngest Cliburn friends! Cliburn Kids is a collection of wonderfully entertaining 7- to 10-minute videos designed to introduce children to the fun of classical music. How does music paint pictures, tell stories, express feelings? Host Buddy Bray and guest artists use individual pieces to explore topics that delve into the way music is organized and structured, counting and rhythm, expressive elements, and sometimes just lighthearted enjoyment!

Programs are geared toward elementary-aged children, and activities are provided for each episode that are perfect for in-classroom or at-home studies. More than 60 episodes are currently available.

CLIBURN WATCH PARTY

CONNECTING ARTISTS AND AUDIENCES THROUGH GREAT PAST PERFORMANCES

Audiences relived some of the best performances from past Cliburn Competitions with special recorded introductions by the artists, who also watched along, answering questions and providing commentary on their performances via Facebook and YouTube chat.

CLIBURN AMATEUR SPOTLIGHT

SHOWCASED THE COMPETITORS OF THE EIGHTH VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR PIANO COMPETITION FROM MARCH 31, 2020–MAY 29, 2020

Our amateur pianists hold a special place in the Cliburn Family. Their commitment to music and music-making is extraordinary, as is their talent. As the 2020 Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition was rescheduled to 2022, 44 of the 72 pianists who were accepted as competitors or festival participants submitted performance videos to share their passion with the world.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE CLIBURN

PROGRAMS PROGRAMSTHE CLIBURN BRAND

Credit: Ralph Lauer

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

The Cliburn brand stands for excellence. The organization works hard to ensure that everything we do is worthy to represent and support the high level of talent on our stage—from intricate event details to the publications created to every communication with our audiences.

Over the last five years, primary goals have been maintaining the consistency of that brand and keeping it alive locally, nationally, and internationally over the entire cycle, including during the pandemic. The marketing/communications strategy is based on targeting each of those audiences through carefully planned press relations, advertising campaigns, compelling digital content, key partnerships, and strong messaging.

During the 2022 Competition, our hometown transformed once again, welcoming our competitors and visitors from around the world, both with signature Fort Worth hospitality and an unprecedented visual impact. From our first-ever mural in the Near Southside to piano crosswalks at Bass Performance Hall to the Closing Party in Sundance Square—complete with a giant Competition logo and larger-than-life photos—Cowtown truly became Pianotown.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

As the Cliburn strives to reach more people around the globe, growing audiences at home and serving as a good community member are equally as important. This cycle, we welcomed partnerships from other fine Fort Worth-Dallas institutions. Together, we put pianos in some weird places and created innovative, excellent events. The organizations below have our gratitude for partnering with the Cliburn in 2017–2022.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

City of Fort Worth

Clearfork

Cook Children’s

Downtown Fort Worth, Inc.

Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce

Fort Worth ISD

Fort Worth Public Library

Fort Worth Music Teachers Association

Fort Worth Sister Cities International

Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo

Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Fort Worth Zoo

George W. Bush Presidential Center

ISDs of Crowley, Mansfield, Dallas, HEB, Arlington, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw, Birdville, Weatherford

Junior League of Dallas

Junior League of Fort Worth

KERA

Kimbell Art Museum

Klyde Warren Park

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

Nasher Sculpture Center

Near Southside

Performing Arts Fort Worth (Bass Performance Hall)

The Post at River East

Scat Jazz Lounge

SMU

Steinway & Sons – North Texas / Houston

Sundance Square

Texas Ballet Theater

TCU

TX Whiskey Ranch

Visit Fort Worth

WRR

Artist DAAS with Jacques Marquis at the Cliburn Mural. Credit: Leo Wesson

2017 Bronze Medalist Daniel Hsu (center) with collaborators Averi Burk and Lou Charle$. Credit: Leo Wesson

PROGRAMS PROGRAMS PROGRAMSFINANCIAL

OPERATING RESULTS AT A GLANCE

Years ended June 30. Five-year cycle vs. four-year.

• New and expanded programs and initiatives

• New and expanded funding sources

• Maintained balanced budgets

$30 MILLION ENDOWMENT

The Cliburn is focused on procuring financial resources that sustain the present and guarantee the future.

$22,480,000 Total Revenue

$17,050,000 Contributed Revenue 32% Individuals

Every dollar given goes directly onto the stage.

$16,000,000 spent on programs

Competitions

PROGRAMSTHE CLIBURN BACKBONE

VOLUNTEERS

In 1962, the Cliburn began as a volunteer-run organization. They have formed the backbone of our institution for 55 years, giving selflessly of their time and resources to not only make everything work, but to provide signature Fort Worth warmth and hospitality to every program.

Over the 2017–2022 cycle, more than 600 volunteers served many thousands of hours. They have our endless gratitude.

Host family Emma and Christopher Beavers pose with their competitor, Uladzislau Khandohi, after his performance.

Barbara Lott gives out information to people attending the simulcast in the Sundance Square Plaza.

Sara Fender checks patrons out at the Cliburn Shop in the lobby of Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU.

At the Competitor Reveal Party at Neiman Marcus Fort Worth in May, our beloved host families and social hosts found out who their competitors would be. Here, Imelda Castro and Carolyn Phillips learn that they have been assigned Anna Geniushene.

Student volunteers help welcome visitors to the Fort Worth Zoo Party. Volunteer Andrea Palmer helps Family Festival-goers use the selfie station.

Photos by Leo Wesson, Ralph Lauer & Richard Rodriguez

2019 Junior Semifinalist Avery Gagliano with backstage moms Kathie Cummins and Sara Doan. Credit: Ralph Lauer

The competitors of the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition with Chairman of the Board Jeffrey King and President and CEO Jacques Marquis. Credit: Ralph Lauer

THE CLIBURN BOARD OF DIRECTORS

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Jeffrey B. King chairman

Shannon Young Ray vice chairman

Greg McCoy treasurer

Harry E. Bartel secretary

Kenneth L. Barr

Christopher Beavers

Randy Gideon

Gregory T. Davis

Randall Hudson

Kathryn C. Laughlin

Scott Orr

Dana Porter

Natalie Wilkins

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susanne Avondet

Ken Barr

Harry Bartel

Susanna Bartolomei

Anne Bass

Mercedes Bass

Robert Bass

Christopher Beavers

Anne Marie Bratton

Cyd Brown

Gantt Bumstead

Barbara Cox

Rose Anne Cranz

Juana‐Rosa Daniell

Gregory T. Davis

Stephanie Fox

Fuller French

Sarah Gentry

Randall Gideon

Cami Goff

Jay Hebert

Rebecca Hillard

Randall Hudson

William Jenkins

Dee Kelly

Raymond (Rob) Kelly

Jeffrey B. King

Teresa King

Marsha Kleinheinz

Mollie Lasater

Jacques Marquis, ex-officio president and CEO

Kathryn C. Laughlin

Adelaide Leavens

Suzanne Levy

Gaylord Lummis

Haddy Manuel

Priscilla Martin

Gregory McCoy

Leslie Moritz

Lila Murphy

Rob Myers

Laura O’Brien

Scott Orr

Anna Melissa Philpott

Dana Porter

Martha Prioleau

VAN CLIBURN ADVISORY COUNCIL

Harriet Anton

Kaydee Bailey

Scottie Bartel

Elisabeth Bishop

Sue Chalk

Gary Cole

Camille Comeau

Kathie Cummins

Kim Darden, chair

Mitzi Davis

Jill Fischer

Tina Gorski

Sheila Grant

Ann House

Isabelle Hulsey

Dana Kelly

Bill Landreth

Lauri Lawrence

Eddie Lesok

Jarrell Milburn

Joe Minton

Scott Mitchell

Kit Moncrief

Whitney More

Denise Mullins

Beth Rivers

Jude Ryan

CLIBURN HONORARY COUNCIL

Cornelia Blake

Gunnie Corbet

John Giordano

Ann Hudson

Stanislav Ioudenitch

Olga Kern

Vadym Kholodenko

Alex Kobrin

Radu Lupu

Marsland Moncrief

Jon Nakamatsu

Cristina Ortiz

Simone Pedroni

Gail Rawl

Richard Rodzinski

Shannon Young Ray

Caroline Samis

Terri Sexton

Melissa Shahbaz

Warren Strickland

Jonathan Suder

Mary Katherine Tetirick

Carla Thompson

Mary Elizabeth Van Meter

Natalie Wilkins

Martha Williams

Sandi Wilson

Ex‐Officio Members

Victor Boschini

Kimberly Darden

Brandom Gengelbach

Richard Gipson

Isabel Hebert

Robert Jameson

Elizabeth Knuckley

Antonia Leavitt

Jacques Marquis

Kristen Queen

Echo Wilson

Terry Ryan

Lynda Shropshire

Blaine Smith

Dee Smith

Gretchen Smith

Whit Smith

Sara Sterling

Kathy Stevens

Kristin Sullivan

Jerry Thiel

Sandra Tuomey

Wes Turner

Rinda Wentworth

Suzy Williams

Jacques Marquis, ex-officio

Roz Rosenthal

Ann Ryan

Alann Sampson

André‐Michel Schub

Tommy Smith

Yekwon Sunwoo

Nobuyuki Tsujii

Vladimir Viardo

Ralph Votapek

Haochen Zhang

EXECUTIVE OFFICE

Jacques Marquis, president and CEO

Kahoru Amano, executive assistant

ARTISTIC PLANNING AND OPERATIONS

Sandra Doan, director of artistic planning

Melinda Willmann, artistic operations manager

Michael Bellinson, artist liaison

Nicole Paglialonga, artistic programs associate

COMMUNICATIONS

Maggie Estes, director of communications and digital content

Garrett Owen, communications and digital content manager

MARKETING

Kimberly Blouin, director of marketing

Kristen Stogdill, marketing associate

DEVELOPMENT

Marianne Pohle, director of development

Kay Howell, director of events and donor relations

Linda McMillan, database and research manager

FINANCE

Alissa Ford, chief financial officer

Susan Henry, office and finance administrator

Claire Serafin, administrative assistant

GENERAL INFORMATION

Website: cliburn.org

Email: info@cliburn.org

Phone: 817.738.6536

Address: 201 Main Street, Suite 100

Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Great classical music is universal and eternal. We are privileged to hear it, to know its value, and to reward its worth.

– Van Cliburn