Cliburn News: Spring 2013

2525 Ridgmar Boulevard Suite 307 Fort Worth, TX 76116 Telephone: 817.738.6536 Fax: 817.738.6534 Email: clistaff@cliburn.org Web: Cliburn.org

No. 104

Inside This Issue

S P R I N G 2 013

Fourteenth Competition Dedicated to

Van Cliburn July 12, 1934–February 27, 2013

Screening Auditions Wrap-Up >> Story on page 3

With immense gratitude, renewed commitment, and abiding love, the Cliburn dedicates the Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition to its namesake and inspiration, Van Cliburn.

He spent his life and career as an ambassador of music and its power to transform lives, open hearts, and transcend all boundaries. In that spirit, the Competition—May 24–June 9, 2013, at Fort Worth’s Bass Performance Hall—welcomes 30 of the finest

2013 Cliburn Competitors >> Story on page 4

young pianists in the world, ranging in age from 19 to 30 and representing 13 countries. Van Cliburn loved seeing and encouraging these artists at the beginning of their journeys as performing artists and emissaries of great art. The Cliburn is humbled to continue this tradition in his name.

Read about the 30 competitors of the Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition on pages 4–7.

Competitors Visit Fort Worth Schools >> Story on page 11

Jacques Marquis named President and CEO Carla Kemp Thompson, chairman of the Board of Directors,

the tenets that Van Cliburn held dearly, make him ideal to

announced on March 20, 2013, that Jacques Marquis

lead the organization as its new president and CEO.”

has been named president and CEO for the Cliburn. Mr. Marquis joined the Cliburn in early September 2012 as interim executive director. With two decades of experience and an extensive network of national and international contacts, he has eagerly tackled the challenge of integrating the 50-year Cliburn history with the board's strategic vision.

"It is an honor and a privilege to work for this prestigious organization, particularly at this pivotal time with the exceptional journey ahead,” said Mr. Marquis. “We prepare for the Fourteenth Cliburn Competition this month with a renewed commitment to Van Cliburn's vision of artistic excellence and his dedication to sharing music with the

"Jacques Marquis brings valuable skills sets and experience

largest audience possible. I am thankful to Carla Thompson

to the Cliburn, and his energy and enthusiasm have

and the Cliburn board for their bold long-term vision and

already invigorated the organization," said Mrs. Thompson.

for their support. My family and I are grateful to the people

"Jacques' knowledge of music and artistry, combined with

of Fort Worth for welcoming us so warmly, and we look

his years of competition management and his core belief in

forward to being a part of this engaging community."

Continued on page 2

1

From the

Chairman On February 27, we said goodbye to our dear Van Cliburn. As we all know well, Van was a treasured member of the Fort Worth community who belonged to the world. His legacy as a great humanitarian, iconic musician, trusted colleague, and incomparable friend will transcend the ages. Van will long be remembered for his place in history.

As we join the world in mourning the loss of a true giant, we do so with full understanding that, as the organization that bears his name, we are entrusted with the duty of carrying forward his spirit and advancing music throughout the world. With tremendous joy and determination, we are putting the final preparations in place for the Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, which will be dedicated to Van Cliburn.

We do so with a new president at the helm.

Jacques Marquis comes to us from Montreal with exactly the right experience, knowledge base, demeanor, and vision to lead this great organization forward—to uphold the tradition of excellence while utilizing every new resource to advance our cause. Please join me in welcoming Jacques and his family to Fort Worth.

The Competition would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the Cliburn volunteers— the envy of arts organizations around the world! Over 1,200 strong, they open their homes to competitors, plan and manage the gift shop, coordinate facilities and transportation needs, work with local schools to engage students, entertain special guests, and energize the entire city, among other meaningful contributions.

Thank you all for your tireless support.

Nancy Lee Bass, who passed away the day after Van on February 28, personified the ideal patron of the arts. She gave selflessly of her time and resources throughout her life, and was instrumental in the Cliburn’s very beginnings. It is fitting that our gold medal is named for Nancy Lee and her dear husband Perry; it will remain as a tribute to their generosity in perpetuity—alongside the Van Cliburn Winner’s Cup. We invite you to join us at Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall this month as we usher the world’s next great pianists onto the world stage.

The Cliburn Prize

For the six winners of the Fourteenth Competition, the Final Awards Ceremony is the start of a new, life-altering journey. Within weeks, they will be on the road touring, sharing their gifts and individual voices with audiences across the United States. This is the mission of the Competition: to identify those with artistic vision and give them the platform to share it and build a career on it.

More significant than the coveted Cliburn medals and the over $175,000 in prizes and awards, the winners of the Competition are offered unparalleled career opportunities. With the unwavering support of recital, orchestra, and festival presenters, the Cliburn arranges and provides full artist services for hundreds of engagements across the United States—and for the gold medalist, around the world in coordination with IMG Artists—for three years.

The Cliburn will also work closely with the individuals to give advice and mentorship, provide touring and promotional support, continue media training and image consulting, develop an online presence, and prepare them for the next steps in their careers while ensuring that they have the space to continue growing as artists.

The winners of the 2009 Competition were heard in more than 300 performances with presenters including the Aspen and Ravinia Festivals, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Carnegie Hall, and The Mann Center with The Philadelphia Orchestra, and earned over $1.3 million in performance fees. We look forward to welcoming another class of winners who will join the list of exceptional artists that have been ushered to international prominence under the auspices of the Cliburn over the course of its 50-year history, including Barry Douglas, Olga Kern, Radu Lupu, Jon Nakamatsu, and Cristina Ortiz.

Prizes and Awards First Prize: Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal and Van Cliburn Winner’s Cup Cash award of $50,000 Career management and international concert tours for the three concert seasons following the Competition Studio and live recordings produced by harmonia mundi usa Performance attire provided by Neiman Marcus Second Prize: Silver Medal Cash award of $20,000 Career management and U.S. concert tours for the three concert seasons following the Competition Live recording produced by harmonia mundi usa Third Prize: Crystal Award Cash award of $20,000 Career management and U.S. concert tours for the three concert seasons following the Competition Live recording produced by harmonia mundi usa

Preliminary Competitor Award Cash award of $1,000 each Steven De Groote Memorial Award for the Best Performance of Chamber Music Cash award of $6,000 Beverley Taylor Smith Award for the Best Performance of a New Work Cash Award of $5,000

Finalists (Non-medalists) Cash award of $10,000 each Career management and U.S. concert tours for the three concert seasons following the Competition

Jury Discretionary Awards John Giordano Jury Chairman Discretionary Award: Cash Award of $4,000 The Raymond E. Buck Jury Discretionary Award: Cash Award of $4,000 Jury Discretionary Award: Cash Award of $4,000

Semifinalists Cash award of $5,000 each

Audience Award Cash award of $2,500

Jacques Marquis Continued from page 1 Jacques Marquis brings to the Cliburn outstanding expertise and a wealth of international piano competition experience, informed by his formal education and 20 years of working in the industry. A bilingual executive with degrees in business administration and music, he is recognized as a dynamic and visionary leader, highly skilled in team management, fundraising, operations, and finance.

As executive and artistic director of Jeunesses Musicales Canada (JMC) from 2002 to 2012, Mr. Marquis contributed to answering their dual mandate: promoting classical music, especially among youth, and supporting the career development of the country's finest young artists, both at home and abroad. By the end of his tenure, JMC was producing 800 concerts and 700 workshops annually.

In 2002, he was instrumental in helping establish the Montreal International Musical Competition and functioned as its executive and artistic director. In that role, he was responsible for 11 editions of the competition—five voice, three piano, and three violin.

Working for the Orchestre Métropolitain du Grand Montréal from 1994 to 2002 (current artistic director Yannick NézetSéguin), he first served as artistic administrator before rising to chief operating officer in the late 1990s.

Mr. Marquis has served extensively on boards in his native Canada and internationally, among them Jeunesses Musicales International, the World Federation of International Music Competitions, and the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Carla Kemp Thompson

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A graduate of the Université de Montréal with a bachelor's degree in music (piano), Mr. Marquis earned a second degree in business administration, specializing in management, from the Université du Québec à Montréal.

Screening Auditions Our esteemed five-member 2013 Cliburn screening jury—John Giordano, chairman; Andrea Bonatta; Richard Dyer; Yoheved Kaplinsky; and Blanca Uribe—traveled the world alongside President and CEO Jacques Marquis to hear 132 applicants in six cities. The live Screening Auditions (free and open to the public) offered the jury the chance to see and listen to each candidate in a true performance environment.

“The Screening Auditions are the most valuable asset of the Cliburn. There is nothing like a live audition. In split seconds, each candidate has to react to the piano, the hall, the sound he/she generates and produces.” – Jacques Marquis (quotes below are excerpts from Jacques’ blog during the Auditions)

WrapUp Andrea Bonatta at Duomo di Milano.

Milan, January 21–25 The members of the Screening Jury in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong, January 5–6 Hong Kong Academy for the Performing Arts The study of piano is booming in China—with conservative estimates of more than 30 million young people taking instruction. “When we talk about globalization in the business world, I believe the same applies in the music world. The best teachers are invited to share their knowledge in China by giving master classes or accepting new positions in conservatories after many years in Europe or the USA. The students from China (and everywhere) are studying in the USA and Europe; the piano expertise is spreading around the world; and now young musicians develop fantastic technical tools because of this evolution in teaching.”

Hannover, January 8–12 Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover While in Germany to hear 23 candidates, the jury visited with Yeol eum Son, Cliburn 2009 silver medalist, who is in Hannover studying with Arie Vardi, one of the jurors for the Blanca Uribe and Richard Dyer in Hannover.

2013 Competition. She had just been in Moscow for a concerto and was heading to England and France for chamber music performances. She gives 45 to 60 concerts per year. “The Cliburn opens the U.S. musical market—and also Europe and Asia through our contract with IMG Artists. This is a Cliburn USP (unique selling proposition); we are proud of it and are always working to increase and enhance that worldwide reach for our winners.”

Auditorium di Milano Fondazione Cariplo The travelers experienced quite a weather change from Moscow (5°F) to Milan (50°F)—but inside the hall the candidates were provided the same conditions in every city. This is vital to being able to give each the same chance for success. “For example, the first candidate of the night could easily ask to rehearse in the concert hall instead of the practice room. We cannot allow it. If so, the first candidate would have a ‘feel’ for the piano, the hall, where the jury sits, etc., and the others would not.”

New York, February 11–16 Rockefeller University, Caspary Auditorium The weekend before the New York auditions, a powerful Nor’easter hit the East Coast—but fortunately the jury and all of the candidates still made their way to the Big Apple, with only one schedule change. “The choice of the cities for our auditions was based on where we can find the best candidates, the best schools, and the best teachers. We are constantly evaluating which cities will be best for our auditions. Naturally, there are some cities which cannot be overlooked—Fort Worth, New York, and Moscow are among them.” The jury heard 32 applicants in New York—the most of any audition city.

Fort Worth, February 20–22 Texas Christian University, Ed Landreth Auditorium The Auditions concluded with three days in the Competition’s hometown—and in the very auditorium where the Cliburn had its start over 50 years ago. The city of Fort Worth came out to celebrate the beginning phase of the 2013 Competition, with the largest audiences and most extensive media coverage of the tour. The jury stayed through the weekend to vote and select 30 of the 132 total candidates to be invited to participate in May. Those chosen were notified the following week, and the competitors were announced on March 5.

Moscow, January 15–18 Moscow Conservatory, Rachmaninov Hall The Auditions were held in Rachmaninov Hall—next to Tchaikovsky Hall where Van Cliburn won the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in 1958. “The Conservatory is historic and significant. If only the walls could talk—Rachmaninov, Gilels, Richter, and Lupu, among many others, were part of this prestigious institution.

Everywhere you go, there is music. My favorite is the harpsichord player in the stairway. When we arrived in the jury room—a very (very) old room—the coordinator told us: ‘Yes, it is old, but this couch was Rachmaninov's couch…’ Immediately, Andrea Bonatta put his hands on the couch to feel it.”

The members of the Screening Jury in Moscow in front of Saint Basil's Cathedral.

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2013 Cliburn Competition

COMPETITORS Nikita Abrosimov

Age: 24 Nationality: Russia

Nikita Abrosimov began studying piano at age six and made his recital debut when he was fourteen. He has since made appearances at La Scala in Milan, Alice Tully Hall in New York, and in venues throughout France, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Switzerland, South Korea, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. He has recently performed with the Nizhny Novgorod Symphony, Stanford Symphony, and the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, under the baton of Valery Gergiev. Mr. Abrosimov earned degrees at the Balakirev Music College and Indiana University South Bend, and currently lives in London, where he studies at the Royal College of Music.

Luca Buratto

Age: 20 Nationality: Italy

Luca Buratto made his debut in 2003 at age 10 in the Sala Verdi of the Conservatory of Milan, performing music by his great-grandfather Renzo Massarani on Holocaust Remembrance Day. He has since performed with Milan’s I Pomeriggi Musicali Orchestra and Orchestra Sinfonica Giuseppe Verdi, and in recitals in Italy, Switzerland, and France. Mr. Buratto has received top prizes in several competitions, most recently third prize in the 2012 International Robert Schumann Competition. Currently living in Milan, he is attending a two-year intensive course at the Conservatory “Claudio Monteverdi” in Bolzano as well as studying at the Conservatory of Lugano as a Theo Lieven Scholar.

Sean Chen

Age: 24 Nationality: United States Second-prize winner at the 2011 Seoul International Music Competition, Sean Chen has performed with the Indianapolis Chamber, New West, Suwon Philharmonic, and Juilliard Orchestras, among others. He has presented solo recitals in Indianapolis, New York, Albuquerque, Miami, Los Angeles, Ventura, and Taipei. Among his awards are the Crystel DeHaan Classical Fellowship of the American Pianists Association, 2010 Paul and Daisy Soros Fellowship, and the Los Angeles Music Center’s Spotlight Awards. Born in Florida, Mr. Chen grew up in Oak Park, California and now resides in New Haven, where he is pursuing his Artist Diploma at the Yale School of Music. www.seanchenpiano.com

Alexey Chernov

Age: 30 Nationality: Russia

Born in Moscow to a family of musicians, Alexey Chernov began studying music at the age of 4. A graduate of the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory and Royal College of Music in London, he is a prizewinner of more than 20 international piano competitions, including second prize at the 2011 Cleveland International Piano Competition and fifth prize at the XIV Tchaikovsky International Music Competition. Since his formal debut in 2005 in Rachmaninov Hall, Mr. Chernov has performed under the batons of Mikhail Pletnev, Enrique Batiz, Alexander Sladkovsky, Dmitry Orlov, and others. He maintains a busy concert schedule throughout Russia and Europe. www.alexeychernov.com

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Sara Daneshpour

Age: 26 Nationality: United States

Since her debut in 2002 at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., Sara Daneshpour has performed on the stages of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., Carnegie Hall in New York, Salle Cortot in Paris, and the Great Hall of the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, and as soloist with the Orchestre Metropolitain in Montreal, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, among others. She has been featured nationwide on 160 public radio stations. A graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, Ms. Daneshpour is pursuing her master's degree at The Juilliard School. www.saradaneshpour.com

Alessandro Deljavan

Age: 26 Nationality: Italy

Alessandro Deljavan began studying piano before turning 2, and went on to win top prizes in several national and international competitions. He has since performed in the major cities of Italy, as well as in South America, Europe, and the United States. He has recorded the works of Alkan, Brahms, Busoni, Cramer, Rubinstein, Satie, Schubert, and Schumann for Naxos, Brilliant, OnClassical, Piano Classics, and Stradivarius. An avid chamber musician, Mr. Deljavan has performed with the Takács Quartet, Sine Nomine Quartet, and Orchestra Sinfonica Verdi, which he also conducted. He is currently a Theo Lieven Scholar at the Conservatory of Lugano. www.alessandrodeljavan.com

Fei-Fei Dong

Age: 22 Nationality: China

Born in Shenzhen, China, Fei-Fei Dong gave her first recital at age 10, followed three years later by her orchestra debut with the Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra. She has since made debuts in Alice Tully Hall and the Louvre Auditorium, and with the Juilliard, Aspen Music Festival, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Shanxi Symphony Orchestras. She is a first-prize winner in several Chinese competitions, including the Schumann International Piano Competition for Young Musicians and the 65th Steinway & Sons International Youth Piano Competition.

Ms. Dong is pursuing her Master of Music at The Juilliard School.

François Dumont

Age: 27 Nationality: France

Born in Lyon, François Dumont has performed in many of the major venues in France. He has performed as soloist with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, National Philharmonic Orchestra of Poland with Antoni Wit, Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra of Lausanne, among other orchestras in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Mr. Dumont’s recording of the complete Mozart sonatas for Anima Records received the Maestro Award from Pianiste magazine. Other solo recordings include works by Chopin and the complete piano works of Ravel. Mr. Dumont resides in Brussels and is a Theo Lieven Scholar at the Conservatory of Lugano. www.francoisdumont.com

Ruoyu Huang

Yury Favorin

Age: 24 Nationality: China

Age: 26 Nationality: Russia

Yury Favorin has played in many of the world’s major concert halls, including the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, Cite de la musique in Paris, Palais des Beaux Arts in Brussels, and Rachmaninov Hall of the Moscow Conservatory.

He has given recitals throughout Europe and worked with such leading conductors as Pierre Boulez, Marin Alsop, Kazuhiro Koizumi, and others. Competition credits include top prizes in the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in 2010 and Olivier Messiaen Competition in 2007. He is currently a postgraduate student at the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory and is honored with a Diploma from the Ministry of Culture in Russia. en.favorin.ru

Claire Huangci

Lindsay Garritson

Age: 23 Nationality: United States

Age: 25 Nationality: United States

A top prizewinner at the 2011 Montreal International Musical Competition and 2011 Yale School of Music Woolsey Concerto Competition, Lindsay Garritson has performed at the Kennedy Center and Steinway Hall, New York, and as soloist with the Orchestra Métropolitain in Montreal, Orquestra Sinfónica Barra Mansa in Brazil, Atlantic Classical Orchestra, Yale Philharmonic Orchestra, European Philharmonic Orchestra in France, St. Louis Youth Orchestra, and others. Ms. Garritson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Principia College and a Master of Music and Artist Diploma from the Yale School of Music. www.lindsaygarritson.com

Age: 26 Nationality: Australia-United Kingdom Jayson Gillham has performed with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Hallé Orchestra, and Wuhan Philharmonic Orchestra in China, and in venues throughout the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Spain, and the United States. He returns to Australia each year for recital, concerto, chamber music, and festival appearances. He was named Commonwealth Musician of the Year in 2012 upon winning the Royal Over-Seas League Annual Music Competition and presented a gold medal by HRH Princess Alexandra. He is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music and received his master’s at the Royal Academy of Music. www.jaysongillham.com

Age: 26 Nationality: Ukraine

Born in Kiev, Vadym Kholodenko won first prize in the International Schubert Competition in Dortmund in 2012 and the Sendai International Music Competition in 2010. He has worked with Yuri Bashmet, Vladimir Spivakov, and other distinguished conductors. Performances have taken him to Russia, China, Japan, France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Finland, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland, Lithuania, Israel, and the United States. He released recordings of Liszt, Rachmaninov, and Medtner on the TV Culture label in Russia. Mr. Kholodenko now resides in Moscow, studying at the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

Nikolay Khozyainov

Giuseppe Greco

Age: 20 Nationality: Russia

Age: 23 Nationality: Italy

Giuseppe Greco began studying piano at age 10, and just five years later graduated in piano with highest marks. He has performed with the Viterbo Orchestra and in major venues throughout Italy. He was first-prize winner in the 2009 Arcangelo Speranza International Piano Competition in Taranto, Italy and won the Yamaha Scholarship, offered to the top Italian pianist by the Yamaha Music Foundation of Europe. In November 2010, he received a medal from the president of Italy. Mr. Greco recently graduated from the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome for piano and chamber music.

Fourteenth Cliburn Competition I May 24–June 9, 2013

Born in Rochester, New York, Claire Huangci has made debuts with The Philadelphia Orchestra, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, St. Petersburg Symphony, Munich Chamber Orchestra, and other orchestras across Europe and the United States. She has appeared in recital as part of the Ravinia and Verbier Summer Festivals, and in Carnegie Hall in New York, Salle Cortot in Paris, Bonn Beethovenhaus, and other venues throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States.

Her first CD will be released in fall 2013 by Berlin Classics. Ms. Huangci graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music and has studied at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover since 2007.

Vadym Kholodenko

Jayson Gillham

The World is Watching.

Take Your Seat.

Ruoyu Huang was born in Chengdu, China and began learning piano at 4 years of age. He made his debut recital at the age of 14 and has since performed with the China, Xiamen, Shenzhen, Chengdu, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestras. Competition credits include top prizes in the China International Piano Competition in 2010, Oberlin International Piano Competition, and Asian Chopin International Concerto Competition. Mr. Huang moved to the United States to study at the Curtis Institute of Music and is now pursuing a master’s degree at The Juilliard School.

Nikolay Khozyainov made his debut at age 7 in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory. He has since garnered numerous prizes, most recently top prizes at the Dublin and Sydney International Piano Competitions in 2012.

He has appeared with the Tokyo Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic, and Sydney Symphony Orchestras, among others. Mr. Khozyainov released his first CD in 2010 on the Accord label with works of Chopin and Liszt. He followed this in 2012 with two recordings released by the Chopin Institute in Warsaw and another

by JVC Victor in Japan. He studies at the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory.

There is still time to purchase your tickets for the 2013 Competition! Subscription options starting at $110 are on sale now, and single tickets are available from $10 up.

FOR TICKETS www.cliburn.org I 817.212.4240 Bass Hall Box Office (525 Commerce St., Fort Worth) Already purchased your tickets? Subscription packages were mailed in early May. If you have any questions about your tickets, call the subscriber hotline at 817.212.4450.

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2013 Cliburn Competition

COMPETITORS Marcin Koziak

Age: 24 Nationality: Poland

Marcin Koziak was born into a musical family in Krakow and made his debut at the age of 11 with the Krakow Philharmonic Orchestra. He has been invited to the La Roque d’Anthéron, Rubinstein, and International Chopin (Dusniki-Zdroj) Festivals; performed with the China National Symphony, Warsaw Philharmonic, and Beethoven Academy Orchestras, among others, and toured throughout Europe, Japan, and the United States. In 2011, he was privileged to give a recital in Warsaw for Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden and the First Lady of the Republic of Poland Anna Komorowska. Mr. Koziak currently studies at Texas Christian University.

Kuan-Ting Lin

Age: 21 Nationality: Taiwan

Born in Taipei, Kuan-Ting Lin began piano studies at age 4. He moved to Russia at the age of 14, first studying at the Gnessin Musical College, and then enrolling at the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory. He received the top prize in the International Competition of Young Artists “A Step Towards Mastery” in 2011 and second prize in the International Vladimir Viardo Competition in Ukraine in 2009. Mr. Lin has performed with the St. Petersburg Academic Symphony, Taipei Symphony, Parlarte Symphony in Italy, and Gnessins Musical College Orchestras and in recital throughout Europe and Asia.

Steven Lin

Age: 24 Nationality: United States Steven Lin made his debut in Avery Fisher Hall with the New York Philharmonic at the age of 13.

Additional concerto appearances include those with the Baltimore Symphony, New Jersey Symphony, Tulsa Symphony, Orlando Philharmonic, Hilton Head Symphony, and Sendai Symphony Orchestras. He has made recital, chamber music, and concerto appearances around the world at venues including the Louvre and Salle Cortot in France, National Dublin Hall in Ireland, Seoul Arts Center in Korea, Sendai Cultural Center in Japan, and Avery Fisher Hall in the United States. He entered the pre-college division at The Juilliard School and has remained at Juilliard to pursue his bachelor's degree.

Alex McDonald

Age: 30 Nationality: United States Alex McDonald gave his orchestral debut at age 11, and has since appeared as soloist with the Orquesta Sinfónica del Estado de Mexico in Toluca, Utah Symphony Orchestra, and Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, among others.

He has performed across the United States as well as in Israel, Canada, South Korea, and Japan, where he also organized relief concerts for displaced survivors of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, and has been featured on PBS, WRR, NPR, and WQXR. He received his doctorate and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School and his bachelor’s from the New England Conservatory of Music. Dr. McDonald currently resides in Dallas. www.alexmcdonaldpiano.com

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Gustavo Miranda-Bernales

Age: 22 Nationality: Chile

Born in Santiago, Chile, Gustavo Miranda-Bernales began piano studies in 2000 at the age of 9. He has performed with the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago, Orquesta Sinfónica de Chile, Juilliard Orchestra, and Orquesta de Cámara del Teatro Municipal de Santiago. Competition credits include first prize in the Juilliard Concerto Competition and first prize in 2001, 2003, and 2005 at the Claudio Arrau International Piano Competition in Quilpué, Chile. He earned his Bachelor of Music degree from The Juilliard School and remains there to pursue his master’s degree.

Nikita Mndoyants

Age: 24 Nationality: Russia

Born into a family of professional musicians, Nikita Mndoyants began to play piano and compose music at an early age. He gave his first public recital at age 10 and released his first recording in 2001 at age 11. Since then, Mr. Mndoyants has toured throughout Russia, Europe, China, and the United States, and has performed in several festivals, including one dedicated to the World Economic Forum in Davos. Two recordings released by Classical Records in 2007 include his own compositions. Mr. Mndoyants is pursuing postgraduate studies at the Moscow P.I. Tchaikovsky Conservatory, where he also received his degree in 2011 in piano and composition. Mndoyants.com

Oleksandr Poliykov

Age: 25 Nationality: Ukraine

Born in Kiev, Ukraine, Oleksandr Poliykov began studying piano at age 3 and gave his first concert with orchestra at the age of 8. Third-prize winner at the International Franz Liszt Piano Competition in Utrecht, he has also won several other international competition prizes. He has appeared in solo recitals in Ukraine, Russia, Poland, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and the United States, and played with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ukraine and the Kiev Philharmonic, among others. Mr. Poliykov is pursuing an Artist Diploma at the Boston Conservatory and postgraduate studies at the National Music Academy of Ukraine named after P.I. Tchaikovsky. www.oleksandrpoliykov.com

Beatrice Rana

Age: 20 Nationality: Italy

Beatrice Rana has been invited to perform with the La Roque d’Antherón, Radio-France, Lanaudière, La Folle Journée, and Busoni Festivals, and as soloist with the Orchestra Internazionale d’Italia, Kuala Lumpur Philharmonic Orchestra, Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. First-prize winner of the 2011 Montreal International Musical Competition, she has also been awarded first prize in the Muzio Clementi and Bang & Olufsen Piano Competitions. She released her first CD in 2012 of Scriabin and Chopin on ATMA Classique. Born to a family of musicians, Ms. Rana began musical studies at age 4 and made her concerto debut at age 9. She studies at the Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover.

Tomoki Sakata

Age: 19 Nationality: Japan

Born in Nagoya, Japan, Tomoki Sakata received his first piano lesson at age 5, and now studies at the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music and the International Piano Academy Lake Como. A prizewinner in various competitions throughout Asia and Europe, Mr. Sakata has appeared in concerts in Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Vienna, Prague, Utrecht, Lugano, Geneva, and Paris; in Moscow for the 12th International Festival “Musical Kremlin;” and as soloist with the Tokyo City Philharmonic, Hamamatsu Symphony, and Lubrin Philharmonic Orchestras.

Alessandro Taverna

Age: 29 Nationality: Italy

Alessandro Taverna has performed throughout Europe, North America, and Africa and appeared with the London Philharmonic, Royal Philharmonic, Minnesota, Hallé, and Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestras. In 2009, Taverna was chosen by the Keyboard Charitable Trust in London to perform at Steinway Halls in London, New York, Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, as well as open the 2009–2010 season of Lorin Maazel’s Châteauville Foundation in Castleton, which subsequently led to an invitation to tour with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra in the 2012–2013 season. A native of Venice, Mr. Taverna currently studies at the International Piano Academy Lake Como and Hochschule für Musik, Theater und Medien Hannover. www.alessandrotaverna.com

Scipione Sangiovanni

Age: 25 Nationality: Italy

Scipione Sangiovanni is a graduate of the Conservatory “Tito Schipa” of Lecce and the Mendelssohn Piano Academy of Lecce. He has performed throughout Italy, as well as in Spain, Georgia, Croatia, Portugal, France, Austria, China, and the United States. Mr. Sangiovanni has been invited as guest soloist with the Bacau Orchestra in Romania, Orchestra Sinfonietta Italiana in Rome, and the Orchestra of the Croatian Radio-Television. Competition credits include top prizes at the Rina Sala Gallo Piano Competition, Jaén International Piano Competition, Maria Canals International Music Competition, Tbilisi International Piano Competition, and Porto International Music Competition.

Yekwon Sunwoo

Age: 24 Nationality: South Korea

First-prize winner of the 2012 William Kapell International Piano Competition and 2012 Piano Campus International Concours, Yekwon Sunwoo has appeared with the Baltimore Symphony, Orchestre National de Belgique, l’Orchestre Philharmonique du Maroc, and Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, among others, and with such conductors as Marin Alsop and David Lockington.

He made his New York debut at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall in 2009 and has performed throughout North America and Europe. As a chamber musician, he has collaborated with Roberto Diaz, Gary Hoffman, Ida Kavafian, and Peter Wiley.

Mr. Sunwoo currently resides in New York, where he is pursuing his master’s degree at The Juilliard School.

Jie Yuan

Age: 27 Nationality: China Born in Changchun, China, Jie Yuan has received major prizes in the 2009 Ferruccio Busoni International and 2007 Shanghai International Piano Competitions. He maintains an active performance schedule and has appeared with the China Philharmonic, Shenzhen Symphony, Morocco Royal Philharmonic, Haydn Festival, and Tulsa Symphony Orchestras, among others. Mr. Yuan earned his Bachelor of Music from Texas Christian University and now lives in New York City, where he studies at The Juilliard School.

Eric Zuber

Age: 28 Nationality: United States Eric Zuber has made appearances at the Kennedy Center, Carnegie's Weill Recital Hall, Sydney Opera House, and Severance Hall. After making his orchestral debut at the age of 12 with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, he has gone on to perform with the Cleveland, Minnesota, Israel Philharmonic, and Calgary Philharmonic Orchestras, among others. He has been finalist and prizewinner in nine international piano competitions, including the Cleveland, Arthur Rubinstein Piano Masters, Dublin, Honens, and Boesendorfer. Mr. Zuber has degrees from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, Curtis Institute of Music, and The Juilliard School, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at the Peabody Institute. www.ericzuberpiano.com

Cliburn 180°s Raise Money to Support Cliburn Competitors In keeping with its mission of supporting the Cliburn and preserving the rich cultural tradition of Fort Worth, Cliburn 180° is raising prize money for the competitors of the Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

Cliburn 180° evolved from the Social Hosts Program of the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009. Each competitor was matched with a member in their 20s or 30s who showed them around town between practice times and provided peer support. This gave competitors an opportunity to socialize, identify with someone their own age, and experience Fort Worth beyond the concert hall.

To further the spirit of encouragement and camaraderie among the 180°s and competitors, Cliburn 180° will provide a $1,000 cash award to all 2013 Preliminary Round competitors who do not advance to the Semifinal Round.

Their hope is that this prize will enhance the lives of these young artists and encourage them in their musical pursuits following the Competition.

Cliburn 180° is open to music lovers in their 20s and 30s who have an interest in the arts, or just want to meet new people and have fun. Annual dues are $80 per person/$150 per couple, and include tickets to Cliburn Concerts, cocktails with Cliburn laureates, and invitations to special occasions, including events surrounding the Cliburn Competition. For more information, email Cliburn180@cliburn.org.

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ENHANCE Your Competition EXPERIENCE Be sure to take advantage of these watching/listening/learning opportunities outside of the Hall this Competition.

Cliburn Piano Lunch

Critics Symposium

/Â…Ă•Ă€Ăƒ`>ÞÊEĂŠ Ă€Âˆ`>Ăž]ĂŠ Ă•Â˜iĂŠĂˆĂŠEÊÇ]ÊÓä£ÎÊUĂŠ ÂœÂœÂ˜ĂŠĂŒÂœĂŠÂŁ\Îäʍ°“° McDavid Studio Free and open to the public

Moderated by Scott Cantrell, Dallas Morning News /Â…Ă•Ă€Ăƒ`>Ăž]ĂŠ Ă•Â˜iĂŠĂˆ]ÊÓä£ÎÊU棊\ääÊ>°“° Van Cliburn Recital Hall Free and open to the public

Bring your lunch and enjoy recitals by some of our Preliminary and Semifinal Round competitors.

A Conversation with Maestro Leonard Slatkin Hosted by Fred Child, American Public Media’s Performance Today Ă€Âˆ`>Ăž]ĂŠ Ă•Â˜iÊÇ]ÊÓä£ÎÊU棊\ääÊ>°“° Van Cliburn Recital Hall Free and open to the public Join us for this insightful conversation with one of the leading, most imaginative conductors of our time, making his first Cliburn Competition appearance this year. The dialogue will be led by Fred Child, renowned arts journalist and host of the most-listened-to classical music show in America.

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A selection of the country’s top classical music critics will discuss the current state of journalism, whether criticism is essential (of course it is!), and what the alternatives might be in coming years.

Jury Symposium Moderated by John Giordano, chairman of the jury ->ĂŒĂ•Ă€`>Ăž]ĂŠ Ă•Â˜iĂŠn]ÊÓä£ÎÊU棊\ääÊ>°“° Van Cliburn Recital Hall Free and open to the public Members of the Fourteenth Competition jury will consider how technique, artistic sensibilities, and artists’ careers have changed over the past 10 years.

They will examine the increasing “globalization� of the piano, especially as musicians from the traditions of Russia, Western Europe, the United States, and Asia move across borders to teach and study. They also will discuss repertoire, programming, and what it takes to build a career today.

Competition

Webcast The Cliburn will host a dynamic multi-camera live webcast of the Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, taking place May 24–June 9, 2013, at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall. Available at Cliburn.org, the webcast will bring the Competition to life around the world in real time with more than 110 hours of live broadcasts of performances, interview segments, and awards ceremonies over the 17-day period. It will also include hours of other compelling material, including symposia, competitor profiles, special tributes to Van Cliburn, taped interviews, featurettes on the many aspects of the Competition (including its 1,200 volunteer force), and other behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Other online features will allow viewers to make comments and submit questions to the Cliburn team and webcast host; vote for their favorite competitors, which will result in an Audience Award to be given during the Final Awards ceremony; view all footage and segments on demand; and easily find news coverage of the Competition.

The full production team will be led by Christopher Wilkinson (director) and Lori Miller (producer), and pianist Jade Simmons will again serve as webcast host.

Christopher Wilkinson, director Christopher Wilkinson was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Nixon (Touchstone). His writing credits include Ali (Columbia) and Copying Beethoven (SKE/Myriad), which he also produced. He is currently working on Mercury (GK Films/Paramount), which begins shooting in London this fall. Wilkinson has directed three second units, shooting principal sequences of The River (Universal), Intersection (Paramount), and For the Boys (Fox) on which he also served as a producer. Before working on feature films, he wrote, produced, and directed commercials and documentaries for EUE/ Screen Gems, PBS, CBS Sports, and ESPN. His documentaries have won awards at the Chicago International Film Festival, The International Film Festival of New York, and CINE.

The following media outlets will be airing all or portions of the 2013 Competition.

Check Cliburn.org or contact the outlets directly for details as May 24 nears.

UÊ iÀ V> Ê*ÕL VÊ i` >½Ã Performance Today UÊ ÀÌÊ7 ÀÌ Ê ÌÞÊ >L iÊ >ÀÌiÀÊ °ÊÓnÊ> `Ê1 ÛiÀÃiÊ °Ê UÊ 7,,ʣ䣰£ UÊ / 1Ê Ênn°Ç

Lori Miller, producer Lori Miller created and produced the multi-award-winning and New York Times Critics Pick documentary They Came to Play, which tells the inspirational stories of the participants in the Cliburn's 2007 International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs™. She just completed Shakespeare High, also an awardwinning documentary about under-served teens in California whose immersion in arts education compels them to overcome difficulties and create better lives.

Featuring Kevin Spacey and Richard Dreyfuss, the film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, Lincoln Center Film Society, and on Showtime. Ms. Miller has also produced several independent features including: Panic, starring William H. Macy and Donald Sutherland (Sundance Film Festival, HBO, and theatrical release); The Last Supper, starring Cameron Diaz and Bill Paxton (Toronto and Sundance Film Festivals, Sony); Perfect Opposites, starring Piper Perabo and Jennifer Tilly (USA Network); and Campfire Tales, starring Ron Livingston and Christine Taylor (New Line).

Jade Simmons, webcast host Jade Simmons is one of the most exciting and versatile artists on the scene today—a powerful combination of passion and innovation. Essence magazine featured her alongside First Lady Michelle Obama and Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas on their first Style & Substance List. Additionally, she has been recognized by Symphony and Ebony magazines, named Houston's Best Arts Ambassador, and affectionately labeled Classical Music's "No.1 Maverick" by arts journalist Greg Sandow. Simmons' commitment to expanding the boundaries of classical music and its presentation began during her tenure as inaugural New Music/New Places Fellow for the prestigious Concert Artist Guild organization.

Today, she offers a diverse mix of repertoire from the classics to the cutting edge, and audiences have come to expect creative projects backed by riveting performances. Her multiple talents take her in the direction of webcast host, arts presenter, Huffington Post arts writer, and lecturer, and creator of Emerge Already!, a career-building platform for emerging artists. To learn more, visit jademedia.org. / iÊ LÕÀ Ê>««ÀiV >ÌiÃÊÌ iÊÃÕ«« ÀÌÊ vÊÌ iÊ ÕÀÌii Ì Ê «iÌ Ì Ê i` >Ê*À iVÌÊvÀ \Ê Alcon, Forestar Oil & Gas, Jane and John Justin Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Burnett Foundation, and the Woodward Family Foundation

BLOG Cliburn.org will be hosting a behind-the-scenes blog throughout the three weeks of the Competition. Visit the site daily to hear from a variety of voices that will provide special insight into the inner workings and exclusive stories from experiences offstage and off camera.

Fort Worth Students Paint Banners to Hang Downtown Almost 2,300 Fort Worth elementary, middle, and high school students have been busy painting 138 banners for the Fourteenth Competition. Fifty of the children’s banners were selected by a volunteer committee to fly on Main Street in downtown for several weeks during the Competition. The remaining banners will be hung or displayed at various venues across Fort Worth.

The pre-sewn canvas banners, donated by Williamson-Dickie, measure 56’ x 25’ each. Using paint supplied to the school district by the Cliburn, the children decorated both sides of the banners. The program includes 46 Fort Worth ISD art teachers supervising schools throughout the city. Beverly Fletcher, director of art education for Fort Worth ISD, comments: “This is such a great opportunity for our Fort Worth students to be involved with the Cliburn Competition.

The program allows the students to use their creative interest to learn about the Competition and the history of Van Cliburn himself. They will create beautiful banners, which will be seen by the local community and beyond.”

THANK YOU Texas Women for the Arts | Texas Cultural Trust for supporting the The 2013 first-prize banner, painted by a 7th grade class at Forest Oak Middle School.

CLIBURN COMPETITION CHILDREN’S EDUCATION PROGRAMMING

9

In Loving Memory Louise Canafax 1931-2013

>V ÊÀ Ü\Ê­ À®Ê > >Ê* ÀÌiÀ]Ê*ÕL VÊ,i >Ì ÃÊ > ÀÆÊ-V ÌÌ iÊ >ÀÌi ]Ê >V ÌÞÊ ÀÀ> }i i ÌÃÊ > ÀÆÊ Ê >À`i ]Ê ÌiÀÌ> i ÌÊ > ÀÆÊ >Ì ÀÞ Ê >Õ} ]Ê LÕÀ Ê- «Ê > ÀÊÊÊ À ÌÊÀ Ü\ÊÊ-> Ê,>Þ]Ê*À `ÕVÌ É } ÃÌ VÃÊ > ÀÆÊ >ÕÀi`>Ê/À>Û Ã]Ê «iÌ Ì ÀÊ Õà }Ê > À

Volunteer Chairmen Prepare for the 2013 Competition The Fourteenth Competition is off and running with a dedicated group of volunteers at the helm. The core group of chairmen (the “Big Six +”) will oversee many aspects of the Competition and some 1,200 volunteers.

Louise Canafax with Di Wu after her semifinal performance on May 30, 2009.

A long time Cliburn Board and Legacy Society member, Louise Canafax served the Cliburn in many capacities—preparing packets for elementary school teachers, assisting in the early days of the Piano Institute, and serving as a member of the Tenth Competition Speakers Bureau Committee. However, anyone who has ever seen a Cliburn documentary from 1993 to 2009 knows she is most famous for her role as Backstage Mother—calming nerves, brushing off jackets, and ushering anxious candidates onto the stage. She even sewed Olga Kern into her red dress when Olga’s strap broke just before she went onstage for her performance in the finals during the Eleventh Competition in 2001.

As a past musician and teacher, Louise gave her expertise and time to be backstage for competitors at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competitions and the International Piano Competitions for Outstanding Amateurs™. Kathie Cummins, Louise’s former student, longtime friend, and Backstage Mother-inTraining, said “Louise was very knowledgeable about music; she could tell you which movement of which piece, and how many notes were missed! Louise also had an amazing ability to put competitors at ease as they walked out on stage.”

We will miss her, her tireless love, and her bold spirit immensely.

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For each competition, legions of volunteers endeavor with gusto and determination to provide the atmosphere, hospitality, entertainment, logistics, and facility arrangements, making for a seamless production.

The hours given by the Cliburn's volunteer force, which extends beyond the city limits of Fort Worth, total an in-kind contribution of over $1 million.

These dedicated individuals provide the vital energy and support that sets the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition apart from all the others.

The Cliburn is forever grateful for the support of each effort, and it is with deep appreciation and unending gratitude that we salute all of our Cliburn volunteers. It would not be possible to produce a competition of this caliber without them.

If you are interested in volunteering, please visit Cliburn.org to see how you can get involved.

BNSF Matches Employee Donations Many companies across the United States have programs through which they will match their employees’ donations. Through this process the donor increases the value of his or her gift simply by participating in the matching program. BNSF Railway has been a supporter of the Cliburn since 1987, and on top of its own contributions, the company has matched the gifts of several employees over the years.

BNSF employee Gregory Myers says “When I moved to Fort Worth in 1993, I became aware of just how much my company ‘walks the walk’ when it comes to giving back to the community. Since I had already made the personal decision to support the Cliburn, it just did not make any sense not to take the time and make use of my company's generous support in this way.”

BNSF retiree David Hibbard says “I participated in BNSF's matching gift program because it effectively doubled the amount of support I was able to provide to an institution whose work I value. At BNSF it required only a moment's paperwork to increase my support by 100%. I would urge readers to make this small effort with such a large return if their company has a gift-matching program.” Some corporations offer matching gift programs to the spouses of their company employees and retirees from their

companies, while other companies also offer volunteer grants where they offer monetary donations as a match for employees’ volunteer work.

BNSF employee and Cliburn Board Member David Stropes said “Well-run companies understand that there is an important symbiotic relationship between the company and the communities that they serve. Helping the community benefits the company by improving the awareness and image of the company. Additionally it gives employees an additional sense of pride in the company that they work for.” BNSF strives to maintain strong relationships with its communities where their employees live, work, and play. The company employs about 38,000 people in 28 states and two Canadian provinces, and the average tenure for all BNSF employees is more than 16 years. The company makes an effort to provide a work environment that supports the communities where they operate, and for that the Cliburn salutes BNSF Railway.

If you are not sure your company has a matching gift program, please talk to your Human Resources manager. If you know that no such program exists where you are employed, please consider suggesting the formation of one to your management.

Competitors Visit Fort Worth Schools The students then eagerly follow their competitor’s progress throughout the Competition.

In addition, all Fort Worth ISD fourth and fifth grade students will receive Cliburn Notes, a 20-page activity booklet developed by the Cliburn to teach children about the Competition and the competitors. School children have access to the live performances of the Competition through the Cliburn’s website at www.cliburn.org.

Spencer Myer, 2009 Cliburn competitor, visits East Handley Elementary School.

The Adopt-A-Competitor program offers young audiences an opportunity to experience the excitement of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the thrill of great classical music, and the magic of having young virtuosos perform at their schools. Cliburn Competition participants visit several Fort Worth elementary schools just a few days prior to the beginning of the Competition. Schools welcome their “adopted” competitors who perform mini-concerts for fourth and fifth grade students, followed by classroom visits.

Andrea Lam visits Versia Williams Elementary School as a 2009 Competitor.

First Lady of Fort Worth Nancy Lee Bass 1917 - 2 013

Cliburn activities. She remained on the board until 1981, when she became a director emeritus. Nancy Lee continued hosting dinners for the jurors, chairing various galas, and supporting Cliburn Concerts seasons, the competitions, and the endowment over the years.

Nancy Lee Bass and Van Cliburn

Nancy Lee Bass, the city’s matriarch, began her longtime involvement with the Cliburn serving on the Hospitality Committee of the Second Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 1966. Shortly thereafter, she joined the Executive Committee of the board as a member at large. Over the years that followed, she lent her devotion and skills to the Entertainment Committee (chairing the Opening Dinner Committee in 1973) and was vicechairman of the Cliburn from 1973–1978. As an Angel Member of the Cliburn Council, she helped purchase a Steinway concert grand piano dedicated to Rildia Bee O’Bryan Cliburn, Van’s mother, for use in the competitions and other

For Nancy Lee and Perry Bass' 50th wedding anniversary in 1991, Perry asked Nancy what she wanted for their 50th wedding anniversary. She said she wanted to give $50 million away, which they did to 50 organizations—including the Cliburn. In 1998, Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Performance Hall opened, and Edward P. Bass, one of the couple’s four sons, wrote that it “is in a very real sense the godchild of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Throughout the Hall’s design and creation, the Cliburn was its spiritual mentor, with every element conceived and executed with the quadrennial event in mind.” Longtime Cliburn Board Member Gail Rawl said: “I remember both Perry and Nancy were dedicated to the Cliburn. Nancy was such a lovely person to be around and always full of ideas and enthusiasm.” In 2001, in recognition of their efforts and generosities of spirit and support, the board of the Cliburn named the first prize given to the winner of the competition the Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass Gold Medal. Through this medal and for her wonderful deeds, we will remember Nancy Lee for generations to come.

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with Brian Zeger piano

TUESDAY, OCT 22, 2013 DEBORAH VOIGT soprano

and WU HAN, piano

THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2014 DAVID FINCKEL, cello

piano

JON NAKAMATSU

THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2014

piano

OLGA KERN

SPECIAL TWO NIGHT VENUE OPENING EVENT THURSDAY, JAN 23 & FRIDAY, JAN 24, 2014

All performances begin at 7:30 PM at the new Piano Pavilion

CLIBURN AT THE KIMBELL

featuring the gold medalist of the Fourteenth Piano Competition

2013 CLIBURN GOLD

TUESDAY, SEPT 10, 2013

CLIBURN AT THE BASS

2525 RIDGMAR BLVD., STE. 307 FORT WORTH, TX 76116

CLIBURN.ORG 817.212.4450

SUBSCRIPTIONS ON SALE NOW

composer

composer

JENNIFER HIGDON

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014

SATURDAY, SEPT 21, 2013

KEVIN PUTS

All performances begin at 2:00 PM

Aydin piano

piano

BARRY DOUGLAS

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2014

CLIBURN AT THE MODERN

with Özgür

TUESDAY, NOV 12, 2013 MIDORI violin

All performances begin at 7:30 PM at Bass Performance Hall

2013-2014

Permit No.13 Fort Worth, Texas

PAID

Non-Profit Organization US Postage

Van was one of the classiest and most humble human beings I have known, as well as one of the best raconteurs. Those who knew him will forever cherish the memories, his friendship, and generosity of spirit. Thank you, Van, for being such a beautiful presence and inspiration in our lives.

How blessed we are to have known Van, the noble and generous human being. How blessed we are to have heard Van, the sublime and poetic artist.

André-Michel Schub, 1981

José Feghali, 1985 Van Cliburn burst upon the music scene at the height of the Cold War. It was an important moment. He reminded us all that music is the lingua franca of the world. True citizenship is not just a matter of politics > `ÊÀ>ViÆÊ ÌÊÕ ÌiÃÊV Ì âi ÃÊiÛiÀÞÜ iÀi°Ê iÊÜ>ÃÊ>Ê great example to me at an important time in my own life, and to so many others. Because I learned from him what it means to be a citizen of the planet. And à Ê>ÀiÊÜiÊ> °Ê7iÊ` ½ÌÊ ÕÃÌÊÀi i LiÀÊ ÃÊ Õà VÆÊÜiÊ remember his example.

It is very difficult to find in an artist a coincidence between his way of doing music and his real life. I think that the biggest gift Van received from God, a gift shared with the people he met in his extraordinary life, was this PERFECT coincidence between the man and the music. An open, generous, and giving heart in music > `Ê Ê vi\Ê ÃÊ ÕÃ VÊÜ>ÃÊ>ÃÊi Ì > ÞÊV «i }Ê and intense as his desire to help everyone and the community around him. An iconic personality and an example for every human being.

Simone Pedroni, 1993

A hero to the world and a dear friend to each of us, Van Cliburn truly inspired humanity and gave us hope.

I will forever treasure his music, kindness, compassion and his big Texas hugs. I miss you, Van!

Stanislav Ioudenitch, 2001

Van Cliburn was the major example of a true dedication to music, and you could hear his love, passion, and devotion to music in every note that came out of his fingers. Everything was about music, not about himself in music. If he loved music that much, we have no right to love it any less.

Alexander Kobrin, 2005

To me, Mr. Cliburn’s most unique achievement is not the fact that he was living proof of how music could transcend politics. That, to me, is self-evident. What inspires me the most from him is that he presented to us an age—an age of his own—ideal in the soul of every musician. An age when music, in the midst of a world of muddy ugliness, could stand still, preserving its purity and claiming its principle uncompromised. An age when music could physically fulfill its task, which God LiÃÌ Üi`ÊÕ« Ê ÌÊ }Ê>} ÊÜ i Ê iÊwÀÃÌÊVÀi>Ìi`Ê Ì\Ê«i>Vi]Ê and beyond. We will forever remember this musical giant, as well as the age that he created for us.

Jon Nakamatsu, 1997

Van Cliburn was the greatest inspiration for me, and he will always be the greatest inspiration! He was the greatest musician and greatest person! He was a genius!!! Every word he said and every note he played were dedicated to the most incredible magic in this Ü À `\Ê 1- °Ê ÊÜ Ê> Ü>ÞÃÊv ÜÊ ÃÊ>`Û ViÊ> `Ê ÃÊ way in the life of heavenly, beautiful music.

I express my deepest sorrow about the death of Mr. Cliburn. His personality and his achievements shine on me as a guiding star. It will never fade. Thanks, Van.

Haochen Zhang, 2009

Olga Kern, 2001

Nobuyuki Tsujii, 2009

Van Cliburn was an inspiration to me. His dedication to music, his positive outlook, and the tremendous effect he had on audiences made classical music relevant to so many. I will always treasure his friendship.

Ralph Votapek, 1962

One comes across “greatness” seldom in life. I feel Van Cliburn was one of the greats, not only for his sublime playing that inspired generations of pianists, but also for his infectious joie de vivre, his goodness and kindness, his modesty, and his incomparable generosity. I mourn along with all those who knew and loved him.

Radu Lupu, 1966

Van Cliburn’s name will forever be synonymous with * "°Ê Ê>ÀÌ ÃÌÊÜ Ê >`Ê ÌÊ> \Ê}i iÀ à ÌÞ]ÊÀiëiVÌÊ for every human being who came in contact with him, unequalled grandeur in attitude, electrifying charisma, and most of all, a big HEART. I was so amazed at having won the great competition named to honour America’s No. 1 keyboard wizard! His greatness as a human being has touched millions, and his love in music will forever transport the listener with a swirl of emotions–the most important word for a true artist.

Cristina Ortiz, 1969

Van transformed my musical life when I heard his «iÀv À > ViÊ>ÌÊÌ iÊ>}iÊ vÊÇÆÊ6> ÊÌÀ> Ãv À i`Ê ÞÊ viÊÜ i Ê ÊÜ ÊÌ iÊ «iÌ Ì Ê>ÌÊÌ iÊ>}iÊ vÊÓÎÆÊ6> Ê transformed the political life of the world with his art and LiV> iÊ>ÊÃÞ L Ê vÊÌ iÊ`jÌi ÌiÆÊ6> Ê> Ã ÊÜ>ÃÊ>ÊÜ>À Ê friend to all his constants, and now we all are mourning.

Vladimir Viardo, 1973

CLIBURN GOLD MEDALISTS REMEMBER VAN

July 12, 1934–February 27, 2013