September 15, 2022

The Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (held June 2–18, 2022, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA) reached a record-breaking number of people around the globe, exponentially surpassing viewership and online engagement from its past editions.

QUICK NUMBERS (June–August 2022):

  • WEBCAST
    • 25 million views
      • 5x increase from 2017
      • 50x increase from 2013
    • 177 countries
    • 3 million hours watched
  • SOCIAL MEDIA
    • 300 million impressions
    • 80,000 new followers across platforms (a 141% increase)
    • 4 million engagements

Read a complete Competition summary in the latest issue of Cliburn News.

The webcast—a vital component of the Cliburn since 2001, when it was the first classical music contest broadcast online—was planned to be bigger and better than ever: free for all to view on more platforms than any prior competition in its field; a new premium option that offered 4K HDR picture and surround sound (a first); and a newscast-style format hosted by the incomparable Buddy Bray, designed to engage viewers at a higher level.

“Intense planning and a great deal of hard work from our experienced and innovative team set the stage for a different, elevated online experience; but what truly captured the world’s attention was the pure talent and artistry that emerged and delighted us all throughout the three weeks,” said Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO. “Each and every artist that took the stage showed us their heart, their vision, and their dedication—from the 30 pianists through to their artistic collaborators: Marin Alsop, Nicolas McGegan, and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. They touched us all.”