It all began with my first coffee. I walked into Starbucks, and the woman asked (surprisingly…) where I was from… “I come from Montreal.” “What are you doing here?” “I work at the Cliburn.” And suddenly, “Ah! The Cliburn is great, my mom is a volunteer, and I went to see the Competition last time…” !!! Welcome to Fort Worth, home of the Cliburn!
This involvement of the people of Fort Worth towards the Cliburn is special. Most of the time, the classical performing arts is for a few (too few), and knowledge about it is limited. Not here. We like to say that our namesake Van Cliburn wanted to share music with the world and make it accessible to all. He obviously succeeded.
Over the last ten years, we continued building new ways to share music with a broadening audience and bringing the best pianists of their generation to light.
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is the flagship of our fleet. Over the years, we revised our artistic approach; we increased our reach by branding all our productions under the umbrella of “The Cliburn;” we developed partnerships with online platforms all over the world; and we established a strong career management program for the winners. From 500k views of the webcast in 2013, we are now at 40 million views in 177 countries of the last Competition. I like to say that the Cliburn brings the eyes of the world to Fort Worth: the last Cliburn Competition was one of the most watched classical music events ever.
In 2015, we started the Junior Competition and Festival for young pianists 13 to 17 years old. The next pages will tell you more about the third edition of this incredible platform for young artists taking place this June in Dallas . We are so fortunate to have the chance to meet these all-around exceptional teenagers! I hope you can come and join us for a session or two. You will not be disappointed!
Part of our role, as presenters, is to reach the people where they are. In that effect, we have presented many concerts in partnership with different venues: The Post at River East, TX Whiskey Ranch, Fort Worth Public Library, Scat Jazz Lounge, The Live Oak, The Stayton at Museum Way, The Kimbell Art Museum, The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth…the list goes on and on. We’ve been in Fort Worth, Dallas, Benbrook, Colleyville, Frisco, Plano, Arlington, and other wonderful cities. We also established new series of concerts: Cliburn Sessions, Cliburn in the Community, Cliburn Festival, and Cliburn Kids (our online program for education), and continued and expanded the existing programs of Cliburn Concerts, Cliburn in the Classroom, and the Cliburn Amateur Competition.
In particular, we substantially increased our concerts in schools. From the 100 presentations annually, we’ve now grown to some 300 concerts each school year. With the precious contribution of Performing Arts Fort Worth, we also presented Van Cliburn: An American Hero, the quick story of Van Cliburn, at Bass Performance Hall.
Thank you for your support of our competitions, concerts, galas, and golf tournaments with your donations, sponsorships, ticket purchases, and volunteerism.
Thank you to the wonderful Cliburn team. Without them, things would not be as great, things would not be as fun!
With your help, we can make the Cliburn even greater. We have more ideas for the future.
Jacques Marquis President and CEO
You won’t want to miss a note! Tickets to all performances are on sale now.
Get the latest on our current laureates, including Yunchan Lim’s New York debut!
38 of tomorrow’s piano stars age 13 to 17 will join us in Dallas to perform, learn, and grow.
A host of free events from masterclasses to concerts
Meet the jury and artists joining us in June.
JUNIOR WEBCAST
Watch the entire competition online.
CLIBURN YOUTUBE
New series and favorite performances
Get to know Cliburn supporters
Gaylord & Bradley Lummis
A season of Cliburn favorites awaits.
Monte Carlo was a night to remember!
LAUREATE UPDATE: STANISLAV IOUDENITCH
We caught up with our 2001 Gold Medalist.
18
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
Get ready for the Junior Competition!
In June 2022, Yunchan Lim became the youngest person ever to win gold at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition; the 18-year-old’s performances throughout showcased a “magical ability” and a “natural, instinctive quality” (La Scena) that astounded listeners around the world. As Jury Chair Marin Alsop expressed: “Yunchan is that rare artist who brings profound musicality and prodigious technique organically together.”
Yunchan’s ascent to international stardom has been meteoric. His audacious Cliburn Semifinal Round performance of Liszt’s Transcendental Etudes “created a buzz throughout the international piano community”—his “intelligent virtuosity and total immersion into Liszt’s idiom truly defined transcendental” (Gramophone). The recording of this masterful performance has been remastered and will be released on the Steinway & Sons label on July 7, 2023.
And his final Cliburn Competition appearance with Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 3 delivered the defining moment of the three-week event. One critic noted: “The applause that followed was endless: a star had emerged before our eyes” (Seen and Heard International); The Economist hailed him for making “each note crystalline, purposeful and often startlingly beautiful;” and The New York Times listed it as one of the Top 10 Classical Music Performances of 2022. The video of that performance trended globally on YouTube in the days after, reaching #24, and has now become the most-watched version of that piece on the platform, having been viewed over 12 million times
Invitations from the most prestigious concert halls and orchestras immediately followed: recent and upcoming highlights across North America, Europe, and Asia include concerto engagements with the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Baltimore Symphony, and Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras, and Orchestre de Paris; festival appearances at Aspen, Bravo! Vail, and Ravinia; and recitals for Carnegie Hall, Washington Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Suntory Hall, and Seoul Arts Center, among other major stages.
Earlier this month, his New York debut—three concerts with the New York Phil, no less—was a stunning success. The New York Times ran a major profile of Yunchan on the cover of the Arts section, calling him “...an immediate sensation.” At the end of his performance of the Rach 3, under the baton of James Gaffigan, the audience leapt to their feet, and Yunchan delivered two eloquent encores—something not often seen in New York.
And the Times review couldn’t have been more glowing:
“When I say that Yunchan Lim, the 19-year-old pianist who made a galvanizing debut with the New York Philharmonic at David Geffen Hall on Wednesday, played like a dream, I mean something more literal.
I mean that there was, in his performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3, the juxtaposition of precise clarity and expansive reverie; the vivid scenes and bursts of wit; the sense of contrasting yet organically developing moods; the endless and persuasive bendings of time — the qualities that tend to characterize nighttime wanderings of the mind.”
June 4 Cheboygan Opera House
June 6 Steinway Prizewinners Concert
July 1 Houston Symphony
June 29
July 13
July 15
July 16
July 18
July 26
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Minnesota Beethoven Festival
Strings Music Festival
Grand Teton Music Festival
Bravo! Vail Music Festival
Cheboygan, MI Clayton Stephenson
Eisenach, Germany Dmytro Choni
Houston, TX Clayton Stephenson
Winona, MN Dmytro Choni
Winona, MN Anna Geniushene
Steamboat Springs, CO Anna Geniushene
Jackson, WY Clayton Stephenson
Vail, CO Anna Geniushene
Bravo! Vail Music Festival/ New York Philharmonic Vail, CO Yunchan Lim
July 26–27 Castell Classics Festival
August 1 LA Philharmonic/Hollywood Bowl
August 5 Ravinia Festival/Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Mallorca, Spain Dmytro Choni
Los Angeles, CA Yunchan Lim
Highland Park, IL Yunchan Lim
Anna Geniushene’s fresh, layered, and powerful interpretations defined her participation at the 2022 Cliburn—and won her the coveted silver medal and the adoration of fans around the globe. And the critics couldn’t get enough: “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity…had this critic on the edge of his seat” (Musical America); “a performance of rare devotion and insight” (Onstage NTX); “a fresh version…that had this listener hanging on every bar” (La Scena).
Highlights of the 2022–2023 season included recital appearances at the Grand Teton Music Festival, Festival International de la Roque d’Anthéron, and across the United States; a tour of Japan with pianist Andrey Gugnin; piano duo concerts with Wu Han and Dmytro Choni at Wolf Trap and La Musica Festival; engagements with the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra and Taipei Symphony Orchestra; and the release of her new recording of lullabies this summer.
Dmytro Choni took home bronze at the 2022 Cliburn Competition, only the second Ukrainian pianist to medal at the prestigious contest. He won hearts and accolades with a compelling and colorful musicality that is fortified by a genuine, immediately engaging stage presence. As one critic noted: “Each time he strode onstage, it was with winning confidence and a big smile. He’s clearly an accomplished, assured – and communicative – pro” (Dallas Morning News).
Highlights from Dmytro’s 2022–2023 inaugural tour as Cliburn medalist include Beethovenfest Bonn, the Duszniki International Chopin Piano Festival (Poland), Salle Cortot (Paris) and Palau de la Música (Barcelona); concertos with the Hamburger Camerata and Silesian Philharmonic; and a recital tour across the United States.
American pianist Clayton Stephenson’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power, and natural ease at the instrument. Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive” (Gramophone), he is committed to making an impact on the world through his music-making. Recent and upcoming highlights of Clayton’s burgeoning career include appearances at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, Kissinger Sommer Festival, BeethovenFest Bonn, Ravinia Festival, Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, and with the Calgary Philharmonic, Chicago Sinfonietta, Colour of Music Festival, Fort Worth, Louisville, and North Carolina Symphony Orchestras. And he just graduated from Harvard with his bachelor’s degree in economics, after also competing his master’s degree in piano performance at the New England Conservatory last year.
JUNE 8–17, 2023 I
The best 13- to 17-year-old pianists from around the globe are coming to Dallas. Through four rounds of competition, including a stunning final round with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, these elite young artists will showcase their virtuosity and touch our hearts with their sincere musicality. They’ll develop as musicians, with a host of opportunities to learn from top international pianists, experts, and each other.
The world will be watching online. Let us save you a seat to witness this global cultural event live and in person.
CARUTH AUDITORIUM AT SMU
24 competitors perform a 20-minute recital, to include one threeor four-voice Bach Prelude and Fugue and one fast, virtuosic etude
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Preliminary Round Concert 1 I 2:30 PM
Preliminary Round Concert 2 I 7:00 PM
Friday, June 9, 2023
Preliminary Round Concert 3 I 2:30 PM
Preliminary Round Concert 4 I 7:00 PM
(followed by the announcement of the Quarterfinalists)
CARUTH AUDITORIUM AT SMU
12 competitors perform a 30-minute recital, to include one slow, lyrical work and the first or last movement of a Classical sonata
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Quarterfinal Round Concert 1 I 2:30 PM
Quarterfinal Round Concert 2 I 7:00 PM
Sunday, June 11, 2023
Quarterfinal Round Concert 3 I 2:30 PM
Quarterfinal Round Concert 4 I 7:00 PM
(followed by the announcement of the Semifinalists)
CARUTH AUDITORIUM AT SMU
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Phase I: 6 competitors perform 40-minute recital, to include one work written by a living composer and a substantial work of at least 16 minutes
Semifinal Round Concert 1 I 2:30 PM
Semifinal Round Concert 2 I 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Phase II: 6 competitors perform one concerto movement with piano accompaniment
Semifinal Round Concert 3 I 7:00 PM (followed by the announcement of the Finalists)
MORTON H. MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER
3 competitors perform one concerto with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and conductor Valentina Peleggi
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Final Round Concert I 2:30 PM Awards Ceremony I 6:00 PM
TICKETS TO ALL COMPETITION PERFORMANCES ARE ON SALE NOW CLIBURN.ORG/2023-JUNIOR-TICKETS2019 semifinalist Chun Lam U performs at SMU. Eva Gevorgian performs in the Final Round with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra 2019 Cliburn Junior winners: Jiwon Yang (Third Prize), Shuan Hern Lee (First Prize), and Eva Gevorgian (Second Prize)
An impressive applicant pool of 248 young pianists from 44 countries submitted online applications that included 15to 20-minute performance videos. The 24 competitors were selected through a two-step review process by screening jurors Greg Anderson, Lydia Artymiw, Kenny Broberg, Sean Chen, Alvin Chow, Lucille Chung, Alessandro Deljavan, Yakov Kasman, and Dominique Morel. From the same applicant pool, the Cliburn artistic staff chose the additional 14 participants based on their artistic promise, their expected benefit from taking part in the festival, and the contribution they would make to the diverse, collective group of extraordinary artists.
This year’s Junior artists display impressive determination in their craft, from one who, at 16, has already finished first place in 30 international piano competitions, to another who is so committed to his studies that he took 10-hour train rides to attend his piano lessons, and one who, when he was 12, recorded the piano performance of the main character in the popular anime series, Forest of Piano. They also exhibit great talent outside of piano performance: one has been commissioned by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to write a piano trio, another is a National MathCounts finalist, and yet another has been seriously studying and practicing Chinese calligraphy since he was 4. The Cliburn looks forward to welcoming these impressive young artists to Texas this June.
Eddison Chen Age 13 United States
Andrew Gu Age 16 United States
Chenxi Chu Age 14 China
Seokyoung Hong Age 15 South Korea
Steven Ruochong Cui Age 17 United States
Mi Hou Age 15 China
Alyssa Gabrilovich Age 17 United States
Artur Iskorostenskii Age 16 Russia
Xuanyan Jessie Gong Age 16 China
Asta Dora Finnsdottir 16, Iceland
William Ge 16, United States
Kayden Kelly 16, United States/Costa Rica
Anna Kesselman 15, United States
Hanna Kozyak 16, Ukraine
Olivia Larco 13, United States
Casey Li 14, Singapore
Melanie Yutong Liu 14, United States/China
Samuel Sabbah 14, Norway
Akilan Sankaran 16, United States
Can Sarac 15, Turkey
LEARN THE STORIES OF THESE EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTS AT: CLIBURN.ORG/2023-JUNIOR-COMPETITORS
Xinran
13, United States
Ivaylo Vassilev 15, Bulgaria
ShiThe active festival portion of the Cliburn Junior is just as, if not more, beneficial to the musicians joining us in Dallas as the competition. The Cliburn taps its vast network of artists and teachers to bring in a wide swath of experts for masterclasses, artists conversations, and performance discussions. A series of small group workshops led by industry specialists take participants through topics such as stagecraft, personal branding, conservatory and college admissions, and career pathways. And a number of community concerts provide valuable performance experience.
And many events are open to the public to attend for free!
Please join us for any of the below Festival events this June:
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Masterclass with Wu Han
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
THURSDAY, JUNE 8
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Masterclass with Wu Han
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
FRIDAY, JUNE 9
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Masterclass with Stanislav Ioudenitch
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Festival Concert 1
Seven festival artists perform 18-minute recitals for members of the jury.
Caruth Auditorium, SMU
SUNDAY, JUNE 11
10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Festival Concert 2
Seven festival artists perform 18-minute recitals for members of the jury.
Caruth Auditorium, SMU
2:00 p.m. Community Concert
NorthPark Center
TUESDAY, JUNE 13
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Masterclass with Janina Fialkowska
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Masterclass with Yoheved Kaplinsky
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
4:00 p.m.
Community Concert
Dallas Public Library – Bachman Lake Branch
Sponsored by Children’s Health
THURSDAY, JUNE 15
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2:00 – 5:00 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, JUNE 16
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 17
Concerto Masterclass with Valentina Paleggi
Caruth Auditorium, SMU
Masterclass with Yoheved Kaplinsky
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
Community Concert
Dallas Public Library – Vickery Park Branch
Sponsored by Children’s Health
Masterclass with Jon Kimura Parker
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Jury Symposium
O’Donnell Recital Hall, SMU
Meet the esteemed jurors and guest artists who will share their expertise and experience with these young artists.
JURY
Janina Fialkowska Jury Chairman, Canada
Greg Anderson
Roberto Plano Italy
Jon Kimura Parker
Jane Coop Canada
Wu Han
Katia Skanavi Greece / Russia
Pamela Mia Paul
Adam Golka United States / Poland
Stanislav Ioudenitch
Jeffrey Swann United States
Valentina Peleggi
Carol Leone United States
Yoheved Kaplinsky
Orion Weiss United States
Benjamin Rossen Kasey Shao
Anton Nel South Africa / United States
The Cliburn was a pioneer in the early days of webcasting, and it continues to innovate and expand this vital program as a global leader in the field; the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was the first classical music competition in the world to broadcast in 4K HDR and has become one of the most-watched classical music events in history, with more than 40 million views.
The 2023 Cliburn Junior webcast promises the same high level of quality of sound and picture; a compelling, immersive program around the performances that gives viewers behind-the-scenes access and insightful commentary provided by host Buddy Bray and co-hosts Bridget Kibbey and Daniel Hsu; and a wide selection of ways to watch.
The webcast will also be available for free, live and on-demand, at CLIBURN.ORG and on the Cliburn’s YouTube channel. The 2023 Junior Competition will be available in China through a partnership with Amadeus.tv
The 2023 Cliburn Junior is available in 4K HDR. Subscribe today at HYFI.LIVE/VANCLIBURN to experience the next best thing to being in the concert hall; available on iOS, Apple TV, Android, Android TV, Roku, and Fire TV. Subscriptions will also provide you access to the entire 2022 Competition and remastered recital performances from past Cliburn winners, including Vadym Kholodenko, Beatrice Rana, Haochen Zhang, Nobuyuki Tsujii, Yeol Eum Son, and more.
Cliburn Artistic Advisor Buddy Bray returns to host the 2023 Junior webcast with his signature charm and illuminating commentary. Joining Buddy as co-hosts this year are 2017 Cliburn Bronze Medalist Daniel Hsu and the genre-bending harpist Bridget Kibbey
Be sure to visit cliburn.org or throughout the Competition to vote for your favorites! The winner of the Audience Award will be awarded a $500 cash prize.
The Cliburn’s YouTube channel is the home of thousands of hours of music, with more than 1,000 concert videos ranging from Competition performances to archival footage of Van Cliburn himself. If you haven’t already, be sure to join our more than 122,000 subscribers by clicking subscribe on our channel—this is the easiest way to stay up to date on new content, including getting notifications for the live performances of the Junior Competition!
In addition to every note of the historic 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, you can find this newly uploaded content currently on our channel:
Greg Anderson and Elizabeth Joy Roe were onsite in Fort Worth throughout the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, waiting in the wings to meet competitors as they came off stage to cheer them on and capture their impressions and emotions just after each performance. The result was a host of endearing, funny, and insightful moments, which the Duo edited together to premiere, along with new insightful, charming commentary and performance montages, on five Tuesdays this spring.
The five episodes, currently available on our YouTube channel, are: Competition Trends; Uladzislau
Khandohi, Ilya Shmukler, & Clayton Stephenson: The Finalists; Dmytro Choni: Bronze; Anna Geniushene: Silver; and Yunchan Lim: Gold.
February 27, 2023 marked 10 years since Van Cliburn passed away. Though we all still mourn the loss of his inspired, supportive, and magnanimous spirit among us, we are constantly thankful to have such a powerful vision to solidly steer the Cliburn, even as it grows and evolves to serve artists and reach large audiences in today’s world. On that day, we paid tribute to his extraordinary legacy as a musician with this 1958 video of his performance of the Schumann–Liszt Widmung.
In September 2022, our 2001 gold medalist performed Rachmaninov’s Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini with the DSO and Principal Guest Conductor Gemma New at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Through our strong partnership with the orchestra, we are proud to be able to share this full recording of the piece with the Cliburn audiences.
Since winning gold at the 2001 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, Stanislav Iodenitch has performed at major cultural centers around the world. An in-demand pedagogue whose students are top prizewinners and performers, he is the founder and artistic director of the International Center for Music at Park University. He is also the director of the Young Artists Music Academy (Kansas City), vice president of the Piano Academy at Lake Como, and associate professor of piano at Oberlin Conservatory. And his daughter Maria is now making waves of her own: an accomplished violinist, she had recently won several international competitions and secured a recording contract with Warner Classics.
Stasik will be back with us in two amazing ways this year: he’s a teaching artist for the 2023 Junior and is also performing two Cliburn Concerts (with his daughter!) next season. We took the opportunity to catch up with him:
CLIBURN: An extremely sought-after teacher, you’re joining us as a Teaching Artist for the Junior Competition and Festival in June. Can you tell us about your passion for teaching—how it developed and how it has evolved over time?
STASIK: I can recall that my journey as a teacher began to take shape during my high school years. Even then, I was eager to test my skills and share my knowledge with others. However, it wasn’t until 2003 that I fully committed to teaching as a full-time profession. In the early days, I must admit I was a bit of an idealist. I would challenge my students to strive for the ultimate version of a musical composition, pushing them to their limits. But as time went on and I gained more experience, my teaching approach evolved. I realized the importance of adapting to each student’s level and addressing their immediate needs and challenges. Nowadays, I am able to work with students at any level, tailoring my teaching methods to suit their individual abilities and circumstances. Whether it’s helping a beginner grasp the basics or guiding an advanced student through intricate musical techniques, my goal is to resolve immediate problems and foster growth based on the student’s current capabilities. Teaching has always been my passion, and it continues to evolve as I learn from my experiences and adapt to the needs of my students. I find immense joy in witnessing their progress and playing a role in their musical development.
CLIBURN: In fact, your students have had recent success at the Cliburn. What was that experience like, returning to Fort Worth to cheer on and advise them?
STASIK: Returning to Fort Worth to cheer on and advise my students at the Cliburn has been an incredible experience. It is a great privilege to have the opportunity to present my students at such a prestigious competition. Seeing their recent successes, like Kenny Broberg winning silver in 2017 and Ilya Shmukler making the finals last year, fills me with pride and joy.
I remember when I first heard Kenny at the audition for my studio at Park University. Even then, I saw his immense potential and believed that he had what it takes to win major competitions like the Cliburn and have a successful performing career. It was a pleasure for him to hear that from me, although he initially didn’t believe it. It is important as a teacher to recognize true talent in our students and help them mature while preserving their best qualities.
As for the competition experience itself, it can be quite nerve-wracking. I usually don’t attend the initial rounds, because I believe that students need to go beyond just doing what their teachers expect of them. They need to feel a sense of freedom and explore their own interpretations. However, I make sure to be there for the final round, in case my students make it that far. Sometimes, their performances can benefit from the support and guidance of their teacher during the grand finale, both psychologically and professionally. Witnessing my students’ remarkable achievements at the Cliburn brings me great satisfaction and reinforces my commitment to their future. I genuinely care about their development as musicians and seeing them succeed at such a high level is truly fulfilling.
CLIBURN: We know you currently hold a number of teaching positions. Can you fill us in on those different experiences?
STASIK: After winning the Cliburn, I had the opportunity to create a dream program at Park University. Teaching has always been my passion, and I wanted to develop a program that could greatly benefit the growth and development of talented individuals. International Center at Park University serves as a valuable base for already mature students, allowing them to further prepare for competitions and their professional journeys. This center provides an international perspective and fosters a supportive community for students pursuing their musical aspirations.
Initially, I had envisioned a smaller program, since my main focus was on my own musical performances. However, my path took an unexpected turn when I received a challenging medical diagnosis that forced me to stop playing full time. This change in circumstances provided me with more time, and I decided to join the faculty at Oberlin Conservatory. Founded in 1865, it is one of the oldest conservatories in the United States. In addition to my position at Oberlin, I am also currently teaching at the Reina Sofia School in Madrid, which is often called “European Curtis.” It follows a European-style approach to music education, emphasizing both technical excellence and artistic expression. The Reina Sofia School is not just an institution to me; it holds a deeply personal significance. Over 30 years ago, I had the incredible honor of being its very first student. Now, as the first former student to hold the esteemed piano chair, I feel a profound sense of pride and responsibility. Continuing the work of my dear Professor Dmitri Bashkirov is a privilege I hold close to my heart.
Overall, I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to teach at these prestigious institutions, each with its own unique approach to music education. It has been a fulfilling experience to contribute to the growth and development of talented musicians and to play a role in shaping their musical journey.
CLIBURN: You’re also returning to Cliburn Concerts this fall—this time performing with your daughter, Maria! She’s a beautiful violinist. What role have you and your wife played in her musical development? At what point did you know she was going to pursue music professionally and what were your feelings about this? How much have you two collaborated in performance? What should the Fort Worth audiences look forward to?
STASIK: Regarding our daughter Maria’s musical development, her journey has been quite different from the traditional Russian approach. We wanted her to grow up as a normal child without undue pressure or expectations of being a child prodigy. She attended a fine non-musical school and had the freedom to explore various interests and career paths. However, she did start taking violin lessons at the age of 3. We believed it was important for her to have a musical foundation and appreciate the arts. When she turned 15, we had a conversation with her about making serious choices regarding her future. We wanted her to decide whether she wanted to pursue a professional musical career or explore other possibilities. It was at that point that she chose the violin and expressed her desire to pursue it professionally.
Maria applied and was accepted into the Curtis Institute of Music, which marked the beginning of her formal professional musical education. Later on, she continued her studies at the New England Conservatory. We are immensely grateful to her teachers, including Ben Sayevich, Shmuel Ashkenasi, Pamela Frank, and Miriam Fried, who played a significant role in her development as a musician.
I’ve been thrilled to witness Maria’s growth as a serious musician. I’ve observed her performances with a depth and a wide range of colors that demonstrate her maturity and musicality. Growing up in a family of musicians, she absorbed the “right” musical values and developed a genuine love for music that was not tainted by undue pressure.
Throughout her life, Maria has often performed with her mother, Tatiana, who has been more patient than me, as we share similar characters. However, it was not a planned decision for Maria and me to perform together until the Cliburn approached us with the idea. We found it to be a brilliant proposition and are truly grateful for the opportunity.
It was about time for us to collaborate musically, as we share a similar approach to music-making. Now, we can share our musical ideas and create something together. Of course, the audience may have to adjust to virtually seeing two similarly looking faces on stage. Currently, we are planning a French program for our performance together.
CLIBURN: Lastly, it’s been 22 years since you won Cliburn gold! Can you share your strongest recollections of that time in your life—during and directly about the Competition?
STASIK: My strongest recollection during the Cliburn Competition was the incredible opportunity to meet Van Cliburn himself. Growing up in the Soviet Union, Cliburn was a musical figure of mythical significance. After his historic victory at the first Tchaikovsky Competition, he became one of the most influential figures in the classical music world. I remember watching his performances from a very young age, and to me, he was like a character from a fairytale.
Imagine my astonishment when I had the chance to meet him in person at an Italian restaurant in Fort Worth. It was a moment that will forever be etched in my memory. Van Cliburn was not only a remarkable musician and visionary, but he also possessed the biggest heart I had ever encountered. The warmth and kindness he exuded were simply extraordinary.
Meeting Van Cliburn during the Competition was a profound experience for me. It added an additional layer of inspiration and motivation to my performance. His presence and support made me feel connected to the rich heritage of classical music, and I will always cherish the memory of that encounter.
Over the Cliburn’s 60-year history, some of the most renowned and beloved classical music artists in the world have grown to love Fort Worth as a home away from home.
From competitors to prolific composers to world-class touring performers across instruments, they make up an extraordinary, supportive, and dynamic network that is lovingly referred to as the Cliburn Family. This concert season, we bring back a collection of these artists, in a joyful celebration of the people, projects, and programs that have helped define the Cliburn’s spirit and impact.
Eleven invigorating, singular evenings await you—stunning traditional recitals at the Kimbell and enchanting casual concerts at The Post and TX Whiskey Ranch.
Medalists, jurors, and webcast hosts from the 2001 to 2025 Competitions (and one of their daughters!); composers who have been commissioned for and featured on Cliburn programs; and some of our perennial concert series favorites.
It will be a Homecoming to remember. Get your tickets now!
THURSDAY & FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 21 & 22, 2023
7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion
A showcase celebration of the Cliburn’s last decade
FRIDAY OCTOBER 20, 2023
7:00 p.m. TX Whiskey Ranch
+
JAKE HEGGIE composer & piano
THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2023
7:30 p.m.
AND MORE!
MARC-ANDRÉ HAMELIN
cello cello
THURSDAY MARCH 21, 2024
7:30 p.m.
WEDNESDAY JAN 31, 2024
8:00 p.m.
The Post at River East
THURSDAY FEB 1, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion
MONTERO
piano
THURSDAY APRIL 25, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion
violin & piano piano duo
THURSDAY MAY 9, 2024
7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion
FRIDAY APRIL 26, 2024
8:00 p.m.
The Post at River East
FRIDAY MAY 10, 2024
8:00 p.m.
The Post at River East
FRIDAY, MARCH 31, 2023
7:30 PM
THE FORT WORTH CLUB
Gala Chairmen
Gina and Bob Ravnaas
Honorary Chairmen
Teresa and Luther King
On March 31, more than 500 guests reveled in the elegance and glamour of Monte Carlo at this year’s Classically Cliburn Gala at the Fort Worth Club! After an exquisite reception and dinner, attendees danced the night away to the sounds of the Jordan Kahn Orchestra and enjoyed the casino extraordinaire.
Our deep thanks to chairmen Gina and Bob Ravnaas and honorary chairmen Teresa and Luther King for making this a night to remember, all in support for the Cliburn’s programs.
Monaco
Anne T. & Robert M.
Mercedes T. Bass
Marsha & John B. Kleinheinz
Luther and Teresa King
Family Foundation
Luther King Capital Management
Gina & Bob Ravnaas
Rosalyn G. Rosenthal
Grace Kelly
Anne Marie & Doug Bratton / Cami & John C. Goff
Gaylord & P. Bradley Lummis—The Frill Foundation
Ladye Ann & Jack Miller—Haltom’s Fine Jewelers
Marianne Auld & Jimmy Coury /
Kelly Hart / Dana & Dee Kelly
Cornelia Blake
Sue & John Allen Chalk
Linda & Bill Custard
Carol
Judy & Lee C. Graves / Elisabeth & Brent Hyder
Carolyn & Randall Hudson /
Dana & David Porter
Priscilla & Joe Martin –Martin Sprocket & Gear, Inc.
Lisa & Michael Anderson /
Rebecca & Reese Hillard
Ramona S. & Lee M. Bass
Laura & Greg Bird
Michelle & B. Tim Brookshire –East Texas Communities Foundation
Susan & Stephen Butt
Kim Carter – LCKM Headwater Investments
Brenda & Chad Cline /
Suzanne & Kevin Levy
Barbara & Ralph Cox
Kathie Cummins & Russ Wohlers
Anne & Richard Davidovich
Mitzi & Bill Davis – Davoil, Inc.
Carol & Jim Dunaway in honor of
Michelle & Dan Lowrance
Marcia French –William M. Fuller Foundation
Frost
Grand Prix
Melissa & Scot Hollmann –Arkansas Community Foundation
J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Jackson Walker
Marcee & Grant James
Christina & Mark Johnson
Olivia & Jeff Kearney
Jean & Gordon Kelly /
Paige & Bob Russey –
Fidelity Charitable
Kathy & Jon Kelly
Lauri Lawrence / Lynsey & Luther Shilling
Teresa & Luther King
The Northern Trust Company
Carla & Kelly Thompson
Lexi & Travis Thompson –FireBird Energy
William E. Scott Foundation
Brooke Kelly Lively / Jean W. Roach
M. Gale & Associates
Marsland & Dick Moncrief
Morgan Stanley
Kristi Newton
Paula & Scott Orr
Gail W. Rawl
Molly & Rusty Reid – Higginbotham
Sara & Greg Scheideman
Patricia A. Steffen
TCU College of Fine Arts
Lee Ann & Steve Van Amburgh
Charles W. White
Justin Anderson
Rory Arredondo
Susanne & Bill Avondet
Kaydee & Bill Bailey
Susanna & Harper Bartolomei
Janie Beggs & Tucker Willis
Sofi & Teddy Boschini
Janis & Sam Brous
Cameron & Wilkie Colyer
Courtney & Courtney Properties
Caroline & Jonathan Cranz
Rose Anne Cranz
Katie & James Day
Mary Jane & Crawford Edwards –in honor of Gina & Bob Ravnaas
Kelly Ann & Chris Ewin
Jill Fortney
Stephanie & Warner Fox
Beth & Randy Gideon
Shelby & Perry Ginsburg
Averi & Christopher Goff
Shelby & Travis Goff –in honor of Gina and Bob Ravnaas
Janie & Jim Harper
Cynthia & Brad Hickman
Teresa & Jim Hubbard
Riviera
Jobe and Helen Richards Foundation –in honor of Bob Ravnaas Family
Johanna M. Kimpland
Julie & Scott Kleberg –in honor of Teresa and Luther King
Morgan & Kelly Kostohryz
Katy & Mark Magruder
Anne & Chris Mahaffey
Louella B. Martin—Riviera Revelers
Kelly Ann & Dan McCarthy
Macon & John McColm
Eunice & Kelly McColm
Gregory L. McCoy
Whitney Hyder More
Kristi Newton
Mackenzie & Scott Oman
Andrea Palmer & Luke McMahan
Kelsey Patterson
Anne & Henry B. Paup—Riviera Revelers
Margaret Penn
Lindy & Bill Penny
Sally & Paul D. Prater—Riviera Revelers
Stephen Pretto
Martha & Frost Prioleau
Wesley Pryor
Meredith & Breck Ray
Shannon & Breck Ray
Evie & Barry Richardson
Lauren & Drew Robbins
Regina Rogers
Patricia & Win Ryan
SMU Meadows School of the Arts
Jane & Mark Schoomaker
Becky B. Scott
Catherine Scott
Melissa & Kayvon Shahbaz
Kristen & Ian Shelley
Laura & Chris Shoppa
Elaine & Terry Small
Steinway Piano Gallery
Mimi & Chad Stephens
Sara & Peter Sterling
Marguerite & Matt Stoner
Sonya & Amar Tanna
Janice & Mark Thomas
Blair & John Walker
Shelby White & Patrick Sheridan
Natalie Wilkins
Martha & J.R. Williams
Andrea & J.W. Wilson
Sandi & Greg Wilson
Kimbell & Mitch Wynne
Gaylord and Bradley Lummis have been active members of the Cliburn Family for three decades—from serving in major volunteer roles to regularly attending concerts to giving of their resources to support these programs that they love. The Cliburn caught up with them recently, asking Gaylord to tell their Cliburn story.
CLIBURN: What is your history with music?
GAYLORD: Like so many Cliburn fans, I am a frustrated musician. The desire is there, but the talent is lacking—despite the extraordinary efforts of my piano teachers.
CLIBURN: And tell us about your experience and involvement with the Cliburn. How did it all start for you?
GAYLORD: I first got involved with the Cliburn seven competitions (30 years) ago when I was asked to be one of the Big 12—the volunteer committee that organizes everything. I was assistant chair of the Production and Logistics Committee for two competitions, then the Entertainment Committee for four competitions. The last Competition was easy—just co-chair of a subcommittee!
CLIBURN: What makes the Cliburn special—what has been your takeaway from these years of involvement?
GAYLORD: I love the way the Cliburn brings people from all over the world to Fort Worth and the way our city welcomes them with open arms. We hear over and over that no other international piano competition is as friendly and fun as we are.
CLIBURN: What other Cliburn programs do you enjoy, outside of the competitions?
GAYLORD: Bradley and I enjoy the Cliburn Concerts, especially the ones that combine instruments and or voices. Some of the new concert venues are really fun and have introduced us to parts of Fort Worth we did not know.
CLIBURN: Has the Cliburn been a family affair for you?
GAYLORD: We are excited to have passed our enthusiasm for the Cliburn on to our children. All three have been involved one way or another over the years. We’re hoping for the grandchildren to follow right along!
If the Cliburn staff and volunteers seem a little out of breath lately, please understand that the past year has presented an unprecedented challenge. For the first time in our history, due to the pandemic, all three signature competitions have been produced within the same 12-month period rather than across a three-year cycle. I think you’ll agree that your Cliburn friends have once again come through with flying colors.
First, last June, it was the Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the “big Cliburn”. Over our 61-year history we have never witnessed a higher level of talent, nor have we enjoyed such widespread publicity; the webcast alone has tallied over 40 million views across 177 countries. But while there is no “typical” big Cliburn, this one was produced within the context of a ground war in Europe; only 11 days before screening auditions were to begin, Russia attacked Ukraine, and the Cliburn was faced with the daunting task of determining how to respond. The answer was found in our Mission, to “advance classical piano music throughout the world,” and in our history: our namesake, after all, broke through the Iron Curtain in 1958 with his victory at the First Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition. So with the spirit of the great Van Cliburn in the room, your Executive Committee made some difficult decisions, non-government-aligned Russian artists were invited, and the rest is history. Bravo!
Then, it was the eighth edition of the wonderful, heartwarming Cliburn Amateur in October. Always a crowd favorite, the Amateur once again delivered with stellar performances from amazing artists who chose paths to success in careers other than musical performance. When witnessing such mastery, one imagines the impact these teachers, doctors, and software engineers might have had on the arts world while also thanking heaven that they blessed us all as stars in their chosen professions. Such deep talent in more than one discipline is always humbling to witness.
And now, it’s time for some fun with the kiddos! If you have any doubts about the future of the arts, run don’t walk to see these accomplished young people. For the second time, the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival will be produced in partnership with the Meadows School of the Arts at SMU. From June 8–17, 24 pianists aged 13–17, will vie for gold. And the Final Round will feature the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, led by the esteemed Italian conductor Valentina Peleggi, at the Meyerson Symphony Center. Acclaimed veteran of the stage Janina Fialkowska of Canada will lead a brilliant international jury hailing from seven countries. Don’t miss this one!
Whew, what a year! Jacques’ team is truly one of the marvels of the world, and they do it all for you: our patrons, our volunteers, our friends, and music lovers across the globe. Thank you all for being a part of this magical family. We are all truly blessed.
Jeffrey B. King Chairman of the Board
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If you have any doubts about the future of the arts, run don’t walk to see these accomplished young people.
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
THE FIRST-EVER GOLF TOURNAMENT, BENEFITTING THE 2022 VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION.
MONDAY, SEPT. 13, 2021
1:00 PM SHOTGUN START RIVER CREST COUNTRY CLUB
TOURNAMENT CHAIRMEN
Rebecca & Reese Hillard
HONORARY CHAIRMAN
Cornelia Blake
For more information go to Cliburn.org/golf or contact Kay Howell at 817.738.6536 or khowell@cliburn.org
