The Cliburn proudly announces the 2025–2026 concert tours of the medalists of the Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition: Aristo Sham (gold, 29, Hong Kong, China), Vitaly Starikov (silver, 30, Israel/Russia), and Evren Ozel (bronze, 26, United States). The Competition took place May 21–June 7, 2025 in Fort Worth, Texas USA and has been viewed online more than 30 million times across 170 countries.
Every single moment, I felt like I was learning something. The great thing about doing this competition is that I came out a completely different person, not just because of the prize but because of how much I felt like I’d grown and developed in this time. The platform and exposure we get from this competition, and the support we get both from within the organization and audiences around the world is just incredible. I think there are very few opportunities like that. It brings everyone together.
The Cliburn has been a fabric of our cultural environment in Fort Worth since the 1960s, and its reach to the national and international stages is invaluable.
The Cliburn is in a league of its own. These are Olympic-level pianists, and everyone should take advantage of the opportunity to participate and to hear these young people perform.
For competitors, the Cliburn offers an unparalleled exposure to the international media, presenters, and industry leaders—forging relationships long before the final notes are played—and the Fort Worth audiences will applaud and encourage you as no other audience anywhere.
The dedication of your time and resources fulfills the Cliburn’s mission of providing life-changing opportunities for young pianists, participatory music education for public elementary school children, and access to excellent art for lovers of music.
