CLIBURN NEWS WWW.CLIBURN.ORG
MAY 2019 – JUNIOR EDITION I ISSUE NO. 117
JUNIOR COMPETITION BEGINS MAY 31 The 24 competitors and 14 festival participants, who represent 14 countries, are coming to Dallas, Texas, for the second edition of this global event for extraordinary 13- to 17-year-old pianists.
IN THIS
ISSUE:
TICKETS ON SALE FOR COMPETITION PERFORMANCES
FREE FESTIVAL EVENTS & COMMUNITY PERFORMANCES
ON SCREEN: LIVE WEBCAST, TWO FINAL ROUND SIMULCASTS
2019 CLASSICALLY CLIBURN GALA: PASSION PARIS
FROM THE
PRESIDENT This special edition of the newsletter is dedicated to the Cliburn Junior Competition and Festival that will happen in Dallas from May 31 to June 8. We have been working on this idea for more than three years, and I would like to thank the Cliburn Board of Directors for their support, their vision, their ongoing commitment to young artists and excellence, and their open-minded spirit of sharing a Cliburn program with Dallas. The reception in Dallas is wonderful! They feel privileged that the Cliburn is coming to them, and they have been supporting this idea significantly. We have developed new artistic partnerships, new collaborations into the non-profit sectors, made alliances with new friends, new businesses, new foundations, and, in the end, we are promoting the exceptional Cliburn brand and increasing the Cliburn reach to a whole new audience. The Cliburn Junior is unique. Every four years, we will bring the best young pianists in the world to meet, learn, compete, explore, develop and, above all, advance their artistry, vision and understanding of the music, of the world. This year we received 230 applications from 32 countries, and a screening jury carefully picked 24 competitors and 14 noncompeting festival participants who will enjoy 12 days of rich human, musical, and social experiences in Texas! This is much more than a Competition! The Cliburn Junior is truly a festival, and all competitors and participants from around the world with learn from each other, from our high-caliber jury members, and other distinguished guests.
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Artistically, they will do masterclasses, piano lessons, a seminar with the conductor; they will have chamber music and four-hand readings; and they will play for the Dallas community in Klyde Warren Park, NorthPark Center, the Dallas Museum of Art, and Main Street Garden Park. Their learning will also include workshops and sessions about the world of competitions, the use of social media, stagecraft, college admissions, and many things that are essential to their musical and life path.
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The Cliburn will share this experience with Dallas through the Competition itself, and through festival events and community concerts—and a Final Round simulcast at Klyde Warren Park. We will share with Fort Worth by also presenting the simulcast at the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. We will share it with the United States when NPR’s exceptional program From the Top features the Junior on 220 radio stations across the country. And, finally, we will share it with the world through our free webcast at Cliburn.org. We feel privileged to be the witness of such talent and to contribute to the promotion of exceptional young persons who will make a difference in the world, through music and excellence. And I also want to offer our gratitude to Anne Marie and Doug Bratton for chairing the wonderfully successful Classically Cliburn Gala: Passion Paris last month. Our signature fundraising event was a fantastic night for all who attended, raised monetary support vital to our programs, and honored longtime Cliburn volunteer and donor Mildred Hedrick Fender. Cheers to all involved! Thank you for your support,
Jacques Marquis, President and CEO
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TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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JUNIOR COMPETITION:
SCHEDULE
Make plans now to experience the thrill of competition in person.
JUNIOR COMPETITION:
PARTY BUS
Ride in style from downtown Fort Worth to the Meyerson Symphony Center for the Final Round.
JUNIOR COMPETITION:
JUNIOR COMPETITION:
Buddy Bray, Sean Chen, and Rachel Naomi Kudo host the live webcast—follow all performances online.
Watch the Final Round live on the big screen, at Dallas’ Klyde Warren Park and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth.
SIMULCAST
WEBCAST
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JUNIOR COMPETITION: THE COMPETITORS Meet the 24 outstanding pianists who will come to Dallas from around the world to compete.
JUNIOR COMPETITION:
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From an enthusiastic host committee making introductions to a plethora of brand-new partnerships, Dallas has opened its arms to the Cliburn.
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Learn all about the Festival offerings, including intensive artistic development for our participants and public events from masterclasses to community performances.
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LAUREATE UPDATE: AVIRAM REICHERT
Hear the latest news from our 1997 bronze medalist—and 2019 Junior juror—in his own words.
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DALLAS COLLABORATION DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
JUNIOR COMPETITION: THE FESTIVAL
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: SEWELL AUTOMOTIVE COMPANIES This car dealer believes in building relationships and improving its community, particularly through education and the arts.
SHIRLEY & BILL MCINTYRE
Longtime classical music lovers, the McIntyres believe in the Cliburn Junior as a way for two great cities to share a beautiful and meaningful experience.
18 PASSION PARIS
FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Get on the Party Bus
2019–2020 CLIBURN CONCERTS
2019 CLASSICALLY CLIBURN GALA:
Highlights of the black-tie event were a Parisian joie de vivre reception, supper-club dinner, and all-night dancing. MAY 2019 I 3
THE COMPETITION The best 13- to 17-year-old pianists from around the globe are coming to Dallas, Texas, for the first time. 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. The world will be watching online. Let us save you a seat to witness this global cultural event live and in person.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE FREE
TO ATTEND
PRELIMINARY ROUND CARUTH AUDITORIUM, SMU MEADOWS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
24 COMPETITORS PERFORM 20-MINUTE RECITALS FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 2:30–5:00 PM SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 7:30–10:00 PM
2:30–5:00 PM 7:30–10:00 PM
quarterfinalist announcement following jury voting
$10
PER TICKET PER CONCERT
QUARTERFINAL ROUND CARUTH AUDITORIUM, SMU MEADOWS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS 14 COMPETITORS PERFORM 30-MINUTE RECITALS SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 2:30–5:00 PM MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 7:30–9:30 PM
2:30–5:00 PM 7:30–9:30 PM
semifinalist announcement following jury voting
$20
PER TICKET PER CONCERT
SEMIFINAL ROUND CARUTH AUDITORIUM, SMU MEADOWS SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
PHASE I: 6 COMPETITORS PERFORM 40-MINUTE RECITALS WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2019 2:30–5:00 PM 7:30–10:00 PM PHASE II: 6 COMPETITORS PERFORM ONE CONCERTO MOVEMENT WITH PIANO ACCOMPANIMENT THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 7:30–9:30 PM finalist announcement following jury voting
$19–$99
INCL. AWARDS CEREMONY
FINAL ROUND MORTON H. MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER
PHASE II: 3 COMPETITORS PERFORM FULL CONCERTOS WITH THE DALLAS SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA AND RUTH REINHARDT, CONDUCTOR
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019
2:30–5:00 PM
AWARDS CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 6:00 PM
THE CLIBURN PARTY BUS Cruise to the Cliburn Junior Finals in style with our special Party Bus Ticket Package.
VERY FEW SEATS REMAIN!
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 Board in Fort Worth – 1:00 PM Final Round Performance – 2:30 PM Awards Ceremony – 6:00 PM Depart Dallas – 7:00 PM
PURCHASE TODAY: CLIBURN.ORG/PARTYBUS OR 817.738.6536 I CONCERT TICKET PRICE ($19–$99) + $30 PARTY BUS 4 I CLIBURN NEWS
THE WEBCAST
WATCH LIVE AT CLIBURN.ORG
Can’t make it in person? Watch the Competition unfold live online. Here’s what to expect:
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THRILLING PERFORMANCES. All Competition performances are broadcast in real time and posted for on-demand viewing, at Cliburn.org and on Vimeo, YouTube, and Facebook.
INSIGHTFUL COMMENTARY. The phenomenal Buddy Bray serves as webcast host and will be joined by 2017 Cliburn competitor Rachel Naomi Kudo (Preliminary & Quarterfinal Rounds) and 2013 Cliburn third-prize winner Sean Chen (Semifinal & Final Rounds) for observations and live interviews with Competition insiders and partners.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES FEATURES. Produced segments will take you backstage, for an up-close-and-personal look at the competitors and the Junior Competition scene.
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WEBCAST HOSTS
BUDDY BRAY
THE FINAL ROUND SIMULCASTS For the first time, we offer two free opportunities to watch the stunning conclusion of the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition live on the big screen, as three of the best young pianists in the world compete for the coveted first prize. Bring friends to see each finalist perform a concerto with the renowned Dallas Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Ruth Reinhardt, live from the Meyerson Symphony Center. After the concert, stay for commentary and highlights by Buddy Bray and Sean Chen, and then the final culmination, as jury chairman Alessio Bax announces the winners.
SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 I
RACHEL NAOMI KUDO
SEAN CHEN
2:00–6:30 PM
KLYDE WARREN PARK 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway Dallas, Texas Giant LED screen on the gorgeous 5.2-acre urban green space that serves as Dallas’ central gathering spot
MODERN ART MUSEUM OF FORT WORTH 3200 Darnell Street I Fort Worth, Texas A movie-theater experience inside the auditorium of the Tadao Ando masterpiece in Fort Worth’s acclaimed cultural district
NPR’S FROM THE TOP
CLIBURN JUNIOR FEATURE
In addition to members of the press from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, Canada, and the Dallas/Fort Worth region, NPR’s famed program From the Top will join us onsite in Dallas to cover the Junior Competition in person. The hourlong radio documentary, scheduled to air this October on 220 U.S. stations, will give listeners a behind-the-scenes view and will feature more than 30 minutes of live performance recordings. MAY 2019 I 5
COMPETITORS From an impressive applicant pool of 230 pianists from 32 countries, these extraordinary 24 competitors, age 13 to 17, were chosen to come to Dallas to compete at the highest level, to share their artistry with the world, and to hone their talents and vision. They display impressive determination in their craft, from one who, at 15, has already finished first place in 25 international piano competitions, to another who is so committed to his studies that he took a 16hour train ride every week to attend his piano lessons, and one who makes his return to the Cliburn Junior Competition after appearing as the youngest competitor in 2015. They also exhibit great talent outside the piano: one studies violin at the Curtis Institute, another is a World Youth Chess Champion, and yet another is passionate about preserving the art of traditional Chinese knife-cut noodles. Competitors will reside on campus at SMU, where most performances and festival events will take place.
SEE FULL BIOS AND REPERTOIRE AT CLIBURN.ORG
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J J Jun Li Bui Canada, 14
Qixuan Fan China, 16
Avery Gagliano United States, 17
Eva Gevorgyan Russia/Armenia, 15
Shuan Hern Lee Australia, 16
Xiaoxuan Li China, 17
Hao-Wei Lin Taiwan, 14
Ishan Loomba United States, 17
Shunta Morimoto Japan, 14
Hao Rao China, 15
Benjamin T. Rossen United States, 16
Kasey Shao United States, 15
Miyu Shindo Japan, 17
Chung Yue Tien Hong Kong, 13
Sarah Tuan United States, 16
Chun Lam U Hong Kong, 16
Ray Ushikubo United States/Japan, 17
Naomi Yamaguchi JiWon Yang United States/Japan, 15 South Korea, 17
Boao Zhang China, 15
Johann Zhao Austria, 15
Xingyu Zhou China, 14
Ryan Zhu Canada, 15
Harmony Zhu Canada, 13
MAY 2019
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FESTIVAL PARTICIPANTS New to the Junior this year, an additional 14 non-competing festival participants will join us in Dallas. They attend all performances and festival events, have private lessons and masterclasses with jurors and festival artists, perform community concerts around Dallas, and bond with each other and competitors through social events and dorm living!
Caleb Borick United States, 16
Josephine Chan United States, 16
Claire Chiang United States, 16
Luca Grianti Italy, 17
Ariya Laothitipong Bryant Li United States, 14 Thailand, 15
Katherine E. Liu United States, 14
Maxine Park United States, 14
Gorka Plada Spain, 17
Ryan Sheng United States, 15
Ke Tang China, 16
Charlotte Wong Hong Kong, 16
Shuheng Zhang United States, 17
Luke Turner United States, 15
FESTIVAL ARTISTS A top-level group of artists joins the Cliburn Junior to share their expertise with our young pianists. In addition to members of the jury, listed on page 11, our webcast hosts, listed on page 5, and a number of locally based musicians, we’ll welcome:
CAROL LEONE
Performance Discussions
ANNE-MARIE MCDERMOTT Masterclasses
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DANIEL HSU
DANIEL HSU
Artist Conversation Workshops
RUTH REINHARDT Masterclass Final Round Conductor
GILBERT KALISH ALEXANDER KOBRIN Masterclasses
Masterclasses Private Lessons Artist Conversation
ORION WEISS
CHRIS WILLIAMS
Masterclass Private Lessons Artist Conversation
Workshop
THE FESTIVAL SCHEDULE The Festival is crucial to the Cliburn Junior experience and allows the 24 competitors and 14 non-competing participants opportunities to engage with the local community and learn from some of the world’s top pianists and teachers through masterclasses, workshops, chamber music and four-hand readings, artist conversations, and community performances. The events below are free and open to the public—please join us!
COMMUNITY CONCERTS
Free concerts at different venues, sometimes simultaneously, across Dallas to showcase the prodigious talents of our participants and share great music with the community. Thursday, May 30 I 12:00–1:00 PM Main Street Garden Park in Downtown Dallas
Wednesday, June 5 I 12:00–1:00 PM Klyde Warren Park
Saturday, June 1 I 11:30 AM–12:30 PM Dallas Museum of Art & NorthPark Center
Thursday, June 6 I 4:00–5:00 PM Dallas Museum of Art & NorthPark Center
MASTERCLASSES
Groups of participants play for and learn from some of the world’s top pianists and teachers. All masterclasses will take place in O’Donnell Recital Hall at SMU unless otherwise noted. Thursday, May 30 I 2:00–5:00 PM Anne-Marie McDermott Friday, May 31 I 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Anne-Marie McDermott Sunday, June 2 I 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Orion Weiss Monday, June 3 I 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Alexander Kobrin
Wednesday, June 5 I 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Caruth Auditorium SMU Concerto Masterclass with Ruth Reinhardt & string ensemble Thursday, June 6 I 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Gilbert Kalish Friday, June 7 Gilbert Kalish I 10:00 AM–1:00 PM Alessio Bax I 2:30–5:30 PM
SYMPOSIA / SEMINARS
All Symposia and Seminars will take place in O’Donnell Recital Hall at SMU. SEMINAR: Repertoire Planning I Tuesday, June 4 I 10:00–11:30 AM–Moderated by Buddy Bray with Alexander Kobrin, Lowell Liebermann, and Rachel Naomi Kudo. A conversation about the practical considerations of building your repertoire: crafting programs, approaching new music, selecting repertoire, efficient practicing, and everything that goes into long-term artistic planning. JURY SYMPOSIUM I Saturday, June 8 I 11:00 AM–12:00 AM–Moderated by Jacques Marquis with members of the jury. Members of the 2019 Cliburn Junior jury will examine how training, technique, and artistic sensibilities have changed, and discuss their own approach to and experiences in their careers in music. They will also look at repertoire, programming, and what it takes to build a career today—and how those considerations play into their decisions. MAY 2019 I 9
PROMOTIONAL PARTNERSHIPS Our thanks to the organizations that have come on board to help spread the word about the Cliburn Junior and to help welcome these young pianists to Dallas.
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Even before the announcement that the Cliburn would hold its first major program outside of Fort Worth, the people and organizations of Dallas opened their arms to warmly welcome the collaboration between two great cities. Many strong partnerships have formed since, and all are working hard to make the 2019 Junior Competition a smashing success. From receptions and luncheons to introduce the Cliburn to new friends, to public events at NorthPark Center and the Dallas Public Library, the last months have been a whirlwind of positivity, in eager anticipation of the arrival of the Competition.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Many have hosted events in their homes or businesses, opening doors and serving as ambassadors.
Jacques Marquis, Deedie Potter Rose, Laura Bush, Arsenii Mun
Laura Woodall, Thomas L. Smith, Kim Noltemy
Jere Thompson, Laura Bush
Kimberly Whitman, Cami Goff
LISTEN TO WRR 101.1
Photos: Kristina Bowman Photography; MySweetCharity (bottom right only)
7-Eleven Amegy Bank Bush Institute Central Market Children’s Health Comerica Bank Dallas Children’s Theater Dallas Morning News Dallas Museum of Art Dallas Public Library Dallas Regional Chamber Dallas Symphony Orchestra Downtown Dallas Inc. Frost Bank Hotel Crescent Court Jackson Walker, LLP Junior League of Dallas KERA Klyde Warren Park Nasher Sculpture Center Neiman Marcus North Texas Tollway Authority NorthPark Center People Newspapers Perot Museum Sewell Automotive Companies SMU Meadows School of the Arts Steinway & Sons - North Texas The Highland Dallas The Joule The Lumen TheaterJones VisitDallas WRR 101.1 FM
THE CLIBURN JUNIOR IN DALLAS
FOR CLIBURN JUNIOR COVERAGE
Our friends at WRR will be present at many of our community events, including the Final Round simulcast at Klyde Warren Park! They’ll also be airing a series of interviews with jurors, competitors, and others leading up to the Competition and will broadcast the Final Round concert live on air with commentary from Barry Samsula and Pamela Mia Paul.
LAUREATE UPDATE: AVIRAM REICHERT 1997 BRONZE MEDALIST
Israeli pianist Aviram Reichert—acclaimed for his deeply intelligent interpretations, phenomenal technique, and ravishing tone—won the bronze medal at the Tenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997, after having won several major competitions in Asia, France, and Germany. His career since has included a busy touring schedule—he’s performed extensively throughout Asia, as well as the United States, Europe, South Africa, and Israel—and he is a leading teacher, now based in Seoul. We caught up with him this week, as he prepares to return to the Cliburn as a juror for the 2019 Junior Competition. CLIBURN: We’re looking forward to welcoming you back as a juror for the Cliburn Junior Competition later this month! Can you tell us a little about your experience as a young pianist? How did you first get interested in playing, and what propelled you to serious study? AVI: From what I can tell it looks like I am the first musician in my family. My great uncle is an amateur opera singer, and Mom says that before I was born he gave her a large collection of old LP records. She listened daily during the pregnancy months, and apparently I was born with a musical ear, singing before talking. At the age of 5, I started taking piano lessons, but I began thinking about music as a profession at a much later age. In preparation for my army service, I passed an important audition which enabled me to continue to study music while I served—and that was perhaps the moment I decided to give it my best effort. CLIBURN: You competed in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1997, winning bronze. What do you remember most about your time here? AVI: The 1997 Cliburn Competition was my first time to visit the United States. This powerful experience was unforgettable, and perhaps most memorable of it all is the warmth and support of the audience during and after the performances, as well as the kindness of my American (host) family. I remember that, after they met me at DFW Airport, during the drive home I was sitting in the backseat with their 2-year-old daughter. She could not pronounce my full name “Aviram,” and after a few tries, she shortened it into “Avi.” The nickname stayed, and now she is a college graduate.
CLIBURN: You’ve had a successful touring career in the more than 20 years since. Any favorite performances or stories from the road? AVI: Every concert tour has its own adventure and stories. One of my favorites is a tour I did recently with the Tel Aviv Woodwind Quintet. We toured Israel, from north to south, playing in many smaller towns and villages—places I haven’t seen since I was a boy. Nostalgia. More and more I find the joy in playing in smaller halls, in somewhat informal settings, where the connection to the audience is immediate and unfiltered. CLIBURN: You’re also a sought-after teacher, currently at Seoul National University, where more than 20 of your students have won major national and international awards. What inspires your teaching? AVI: I feel truly blessed to teach such a remarkable group of young students at Seoul National University. It is this extraordinary musical talent and intellect that inspires my teaching. We work and walk together for many years. I try to provide each of them what is needed in order to become a more complete and mature artist. This may be the best job in the world. CLIBURN: What are your expectations coming into the Cliburn Junior Competition? AVI: I am looking forward to many hours of wonderful performances from young talented musicians. The Cliburn Junior gives us the opportunity to meet and listen to some incredible raw talents, sometimes unpolished, and I am certain we will have many bold and fresh interpretations for music which we have heard numerous times before.
THE JUNIOR JURY
Avi serves on the jury of the 2019 Junior Competition with these distinguished artists:
Alessio Bax Philippe Bianconi Italy (Jury Chairman) France
Angela Cheng Canada
Valery Kuleshov Russia
Lowell Liebermann United States
Uta Weyand Germany MAY 2019 I 11
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT:
SEWELL AUTOMOTIVE COMPANIES A longtime supporter of the arts, children’s charities, and education, Sewell Automotive Companies found a perfect match with the 2019 Cliburn Junior Competition, sponsoring the event both financially and with in-kind services. Read below for a look into this special partnership.
CLIBURN: Tell us about Sewell Automotive Companies’ history in Dallas/Fort Worth. What are you most proud of? SEWELL: Building relationships—not selling cars and trucks—is our first priority, and it has been for more than a century. “Customers for Life” – that is our aim. Generations of customers have bought their vehicles from our dealerships. The Sewell family began selling vehicles in Arlington, Texas, in 1911. The first Sewell store was in the family hardware store, where it also had to compete with a livery stable and a movie theater. In those days, Model Ts were shipped to the dealer unassembled in a box. At age 14, Carl Sewell, Sr. would assemble every car himself and then teach each new owner how to drive. You can experience our award-winning service at 16 dealerships in Dallas, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Houston, and San Antonio. CLIBURN: What is Sewell’s sponsorship philosophy, and how does the Cliburn match those goals? 12 I CLIBURN NEWS
SEWELL: Since its beginning, Sewell has been committed to giving back and improving the communities we have the privilege to serve. We are proud to support and sponsor hundreds of local community events and organizations every year. We typically focus on partnering with organizations from three areas: the arts, children’s charities and causes, and education. The Cliburn’s mission to advance classical piano music aligns with Sewell’s commitment to supporting the arts.
CLIBURN: Tell us about the unique ways in which you are executing your Cliburn Junior Competition sponsorship. SEWELL: Sewell Automotive Companies is supporting the Cliburn with both a sponsorship investment and in-kind contributions for the 2019 Junior Competition. As a Silver Sponsor and the Exclusive Automotive Sponsor, Sewell will be providing vehicles for the jurors to
use through the Competition, and special services for the Finals, including valet services, guest shuttle, bottled water, and special gifts for attendees of the Closing Celebration at Nasher Sculpture Center. CLIBURN: How will the relationship between Sewell and the Cliburn be beneficial to the Sewell brand? Why might the Cliburn be an important partner for you in the future? SEWELL: The Cliburn’s mission to advance classical piano music aligns with Sewell’s commitment to supporting the arts. Through its international competitions, education programs, and concert series, the Cliburn embodies an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of young artists, a cause that is also important to Sewell’s associates and customers.
DONOR SPOTLIGHT:
SHIRLEY & BILL MCINTYRE Even before the public announcement that the 2019 Junior Competition would be held in Dallas, Shirley and Bill McIntyre were strong advocates and ambassadors for the idea. That enthusiasm led them to host the very first Dallas home event to introduce the Cliburn to friends and thought-leaders; and to give a generous donation to the Cliburn Endowment, naming the second prize of the Junior in perpetuity. Here’s why that support is important to each of them: CLIBURN: What is your connection to classical music? SHIRLEY: I started taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old and studied piano for 11 years. For our recitals I would choose Chopin, Mozart, or Beethoven. Our music teacher would take us to classical concerts, and I was mesmerized by how beautiful the orchestra would sound playing these pieces. BILL: I played the baritone in my high school band. Years ago, we became involved with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), and we began co-chairing the Friends of DSO to support the summer residency of the DSO at the Bravo! Vail Music Festival. In 2011, I was asked to join the DSO Executive Board, and I continue to serve. “All this activity exposed me to great classical music and the fantastic musicians who play it, which only increased my appreciation of great music. CLIBURN: What is it you enjoy most about classical music performances? SHIRLEY: I discover more each time I listen to classical music. The orchestra is filled with layers of instruments, all playing at the same time but slightly different, which makes it sound so huge and grand. Then it can transcend to a very light sound, very dramatic. Most of all it makes me happy. I serve on the boards of the DSO and Bravo! Vail Music Festival. It gives me such pleasure to be a part of music and sharing with others. BILL: What can be better than enjoying great music with friends? When classical music came of age, performances were major and special social events. Often, as I listen to the music, I marvel at the experience of listening to music as it was played as far back as 250 years, often on some of the same instruments. It is fascinating that such complexity can spring from a human brain. Of course, the
music is beautiful and inspiring. I also enjoy the formality of the orchestra. Getting to know many of the musicians at the DSO has made the musical experience that much more special. CLIBURN: Do you have a favorite memory of Van Cliburn? SHIRLEY: When I was at Steinway Hall purchasing our first Steinway, I played several pianos and narrowed it down to three but couldn’t make a decision. The gentleman helping me said that Van Cliburn would be in the store later and would I like for him to play each and select one. Well, I couldn’t refuse that offer, so Van Cliburn selected my piano, signed it, and I have a picture of him playing my piano. So, of course, this piano is very special. CLIBURN: Why did you decide to contribute to the Cliburn Endowment for the Junior Competition? SHIRLEY: With the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition being performed by adults, the idea of having these very young artists performing and giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents is exciting. We are thrilled that Fort Worth chose to collaborate with Dallas by having the Junior Cliburn in Dallas. This allows for more people in our large community, Fort Worth and Dallas, to support this amazing Competition. We wanted to help spread the word and be a part of such a great organization. BILL: When Jacques mentioned that the Junior Cliburn would be in Dallas, I was all in. I asked if the naming of the second prize was available. When he said it was, I committed to name it after my sweet wife, Shirley.
CLIBURN: Why do you feel endowments are important? BILL: Economic cycles substantially impact the level of donations to operating expenses. The stable source of funds from the endowment can help bridge the swing in donations that naturally occur. In addition, the endowment can serve as a temporary source of funds for the organization to take advantage of certain opportunities as they arise. CLIBURN: Why do you give your resources and your time to the Cliburn and why should others? SHIRLEY: The Cliburn enriches the participants’ lives with their talent, experience, confidence, the feeling of being a part of a large community, and being connected with people and other artists. We want to live in a city that is proud to have the best that they can have, whether it is museums, orchestras, and other performing arts. Bill and I are honored and excited to be a part of the Cliburn competitions, and we want everyone else to be too. BILL: I know that the Cliburn event is very special to the folks in Fort Worth, and I am very thankful that they are sharing the Junior Cliburn with Dallas. Supporting the Junior Cliburn is another opportunity for the citizens of two great cities to pool their resources and share a beautiful and meaningful result. I had never attended a Cliburn event in Fort Worth until two years ago and I am surprised, after asking many of my music loving friends, how many people from Dallas have not attended. I think this partnership on the Cliburn Junior will change that. I can say that the DSO is very excited about being involved along with SMU. MAY 2019 I 13
On April 12, 2019, more than 440 Cliburn friends came together at Ridglea Country Club for a gala celebration that was truly the party of the year. Chaired by Anne Marie and Doug Bratton in honor of longtime Cliburn supporter Mildred Hedrick Fender, the blacktie event featured an elegant reception, evoking the Parisian joie de vivre; a Paris supper-club seated dinner; dancing to the music of Jimmy Vali and his 13-piece band; and classic casino games, as Ridglea Country Club was transformed with decorations capturing the architecture, elegance, and style of the City of Love. Our deepest thanks to all who joined us.
Anne Marie Bratton & Mildred Hedrick Fender
The elegant reception area 14 I CLIBURN NEWS
The Mildred Hedrick Fender Family
Doug Bratton Photos: Joyce Marshall / The Cliburn
Robert M. & Anne T. Bass
Marsha Kleinheinz, Mercedes Bass, Judy Ney
Debussy Anne T. & Robert M. Bass Mercedes T. Bass Marsha & John Kleinheinz
Ravel
Anne Marie & Doug Bratton Kim & Glenn Darden Cami & John C. Goff Teresa & Jim Hubbard / Carolyn & Randall Hudson /Olivia & Jeff Kearney / Allison & Terry Montesi / Jennifer & Philip Williamson Anne & John Marion
Saint-SaĂŤns
Thomas L. Smith The Northern Trust Company
Kaydee & Bill Bailey, Kim & Glenn Darden
Will Moncrief, Julie Anthony, Katy Janza MAY 2019 I 15
Couture models from Neiman Marcus
Dancing to the Jimmy Vali Band
Jacques Marquis & Jeff King
Susanne & Kevin Avondet / Sarah & Baker Gentry / Rebecca & Reese Hillard / Julie & Scott Kleberg / Martha & Frost Prioleau Mildred Hedrick Fender Teresa & Luther King – Luther King Capital Management Suzanne & Kevin Levy / Nenetta & Steve Tatum
Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP Autobahn Motorcar Group Ramona & Lee M. Bass Miles Bratton Camille Comeau & Jay Hebert Gunnie Corbett Barbara & Ralph Cox – Fidelity Charitable Fund Berry R. Cox Family Foundation Mitzi & Bill Davis Shannon & Mark Hart Ann & Ed Hudson Jackson Walker LLP JP Morgan Chase & Co. Kelly Hart & Hallman LLP Eddie Lesok / Marge & Nate McGrew 16 I CLIBURN NEWS
The Cliburn Casino
Berlioz Satie
Gaylord & Bradley Lummis – The Frill Foundation Pati & Bill Meadows Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation Paula & Scott Orr / Fidelity Charitable Fund Carla & Kelly Thompson
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Harry & Scottie Bartel
Priscilla W. Martin Danielle & Garrett Martin Eunice & Kelly McColm Gregory L. McCoy Barbara McNealy & Willie Lott Betty Claire McKnight Berlene & Jarrell Milburn Courtney Miller Marsland & Richard Moncrief Whitney & Doug More Cameron & Huck Newberry Yolanda Newburn Tim O’Keefe Andrea Palmer & Luke McMahan Kelsey & Gary Patterson Pamela Mia Paul Olive Pelich Anna Melissa & Peter Philpott Dana & David Porter Mandy & Byron Purselley Michelle & Tom Purvis Gail Rawl Shannon & Breck Ray Kevin Rayburn
Beth Rivers & Woody Grossman Regina Rogers Paige & Bob Russey Patricia & Win Ryan Lisa & Eugene Schneider Becky B. Scott Anne & Robert Self Melissa & Kayvon Shahbaz Elaine & Terry Small – Rupert Investors, Ltd. Gretchen & Whit Smith Blaine Smith & Richard Hubbard Dee Smith Steinway & Sons Mimi & Chad Stephens Maureda & Albert Travis Mary Elizabeth & Josh Van Meter Christian Walker Shelby White & Patrick Sheridan Natalie Wilkins Martha & J.R. Williams Vivienne H. Wilson Laura & Blair Woodall Kimbell & Mitch Wynne
back: Anne & Robert Self, Michelle & Tom Purvis, Russell Laughlin front: JR & Martha Williams, Breck & Shannon Ray, Kathryn Laughlin
Teresa Hubbard, Jeff Kearney, Jennifer Williamson, Randall Hudson, Allison Montesi
Josh & Mary Elizabeth Van Meter, Suzanne & Kevin Levy MAY 2019 I 17
FROM THE CHAIRMAN
THE PARTY BUS Four years ago, the Cliburn embarked on a new adventure and established its first international Junior Competition for pianists aged 13 to 17. Even for the experienced Cliburn, producing a new competition is daunting. First, in this instance the competitors were all teenagers, so the logistics were immediately complicated with regard to housing, transportation, free time…and parents! Second, with no precedent, all of the professionals associated with the event, including the conductor, the jury, and the screening jury, had to be recruited on a leap of faith. And come to think of it—so, third—all of the patrons and volunteers were extending their support without the luxury of any prior experience. But in the end, it all came together as a smashing success, due in large part to all of our partners and volunteers who’ve been a part of the Cliburn family for decades, and who pushed right through all of the unknowns. You see, the Fort Worth community has been there for the Cliburn from the beginning, so not much is going to surprise it. The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the Amateur Competition, and the Junior Competition were each born and raised at TCU. The Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra has been our unwavering musical partner for almost 60 years, and Bass Hall has served as another home for over 20 years. Generations of proud Fort Worthians have come together time and time again to produce the most highly regarded piano competitions on the planet. While the new Junior Competition in 2015 was untested, it was guided by hundreds of strong, experienced, and wise hands. But if you’re not growing, you’re dying. The idea of moving our newest competition, the Junior, to Dallas was rooted in our mission statement: to advance classical music throughout the world. How could we grow our footprint, expand our artistic and financial reach, and leverage our international reputation in order to forever ensure the execution on that mission statement? While we count many Dallas friends among our ticketholders and supporters, could we find the same passion and commitment in Dallas that has been the hallmark of our culture in Fort Worth? Would SMU, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and multiple other community partners come through in a way to which we’re accustomed? Would the volunteer base be there, would arts patrons and corporations provide financial leadership and moral support? Would some of our longtime leaders and volunteers venture east across the county line and provide guidance for our new colleagues? The answers to those questions have been thunderously positive.
18 I CLIBURN NEWS
As of this printing, over $1 million has been raised primarily from supporters in Dallas, as well as from donors in 37 other cities across 16 states. More than 150 volunteers are excited and ready to go, including a new partnership with the Junior League of Dallas which we’ve been tending for over three years. There is a young professionals committee, established by some of our own 180° members, which is hosting the Midweek Volunteer Appreciation Party. Katy Rhodes, whose parents have been home hosts for the Cliburn Competition, has recruited volunteers for the Final Round Simulcast in Klyde Warren Park. Back in Fort Worth, Tina Gorski is overseeing the Final Round Simulcast at the Modern Art Museum. Another three of our own—Kristy Odom, Mandy Purselley, and Mary Elizabeth Van Meter—are intimately involved in promoting what it means to be a Cliburn volunteer across a wide variety of roles. And this is one I’m particularly proud of, as a fourth-generation Horned Frog: with the Cliburn coming to town, SMU decided to purchase 10 new Steinway grand pianos! I just love that. But it’s another Fort Worth volunteer-led effort that is the namesake of this column: The Party Bus. On Saturday, June 8, for those who buy tickets on the Cliburn website, The Party Bus will cruise from Sundance Square in Fort Worth to the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas where its occupants will see the Final Round performance and the Awards Ceremony before being ferried safely back home. Our plan is to reverse that in the years to come—with our Dallas friends hopping on the Party Bus to come to the Amateur Competition in 2020 and the Sixteenth Cliburn Competition in 2021! Think of it, The Party Bus as a symbol for the artistic powerhouse that is Fort Worth and Dallas: together. Arts patrons and music lovers from both sides of the sprawling DFW map, moving seamlessly together between cities, experiencing the best music ever written and performed, supported by two world-class private universities, accompanied by two stellar symphony orchestras, with final performances in two of the most storied performance halls in the world, all celebrating the mission of the Cliburn and the dream of Van Cliburn himself: advancing classical music throughout the world, and embodying an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of young artists. Whether literally or figuratively, I hope you will get on that Party Bus with us. It’s about to leave the station. Jeff King Chairman of the Board
OCTOBER 10 & 11
KIMBELL ART MUSEUM OLGA KERN piano
OCTOBER 24
SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE PUBLIQuartet
NOVEMBER 16
MODERN ART MUSEUM THE MUSIC OF THE WOMEN OF THE PULITZER: JULIA WOLFE, CAROLINE SHAW, JENNIFER HIGDON composers
NOVEMBER 21
KIMBELL ART MUSEUM CAMILLE THOMAS cello + ROMAN RABINOVICH piano
JANUARY 4
BASS PERFORMANCE HALL BEETHOVEN AT 250: THE PIANO CONCERTOS featuring Till Fellner, David Fray, George Li, Jon Nakamatsu, Joyce Yang piano + Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra + Miguel Harth-Bedoya conductor
JANUARY 23
SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE WINDSYNC + IVAN TREVINO percussion
JANUARY 30 & 31
KIMBELL ART MUSEUM STEPHEN HOUGH piano
FEBRUARY 13
KIMBELL ART MUSEUM SUSAN GRAHAM mezzo-soprano + MALCOLM MARTINEAU piano
FEBRUARY 27 – MARCH 1
MODERN ART MUSEUM CLIBURN FESTIVAL: BEETHOVEN AT 250
MARCH 14
MODERN ART MUSEUM JENNIFER KOH violin + VIJAY IYER piano & composer
MARCH 26
KIMBELL ART MUSEUM DANIEL HSU piano
APRIL 16
SCAT JAZZ LOUNGE JCT TRIO
THE NEW SEASON IS ANNOUNCED! SUBSCRIPTIONS & SINGLE TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW. CLIBURN.ORG/1920CONCERTS OR 817.212.4280
MAY 2019 I 19
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