ANNA GENIUSHENE

2022 Cliburn Silver Medalist

Anna Geniushene’s fresh, layered, and powerful interpretations defined her participation at the 2022 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—and won her the coveted silver medal and the adoration of fans around the globe. And the critics couldn’t get enough: “powerhouse sound, forceful musical personality, and sheer virtuosity…had this critic on the edge of his seat” (Musical America); “a performance of rare devotion and insight” (Onstage NTX); “a fresh version…that had this listener hanging on every bar” (La Scena).

And when Anna closed the Cliburn Competition with a momentous performance of the Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No. 1, Gramophone likened it to the contest’s revered namesake, “I couldn’t help but equate Anna Geniushene’s seasoned pianism to Cliburn at his best.”

DMYTRO CHONI

2022 Cliburn Bronze Medalist

Dmytro Choni took home bronze at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in June 2022, only the second Ukrainian pianist to medal at the prestigious contest. He won hearts and accolades with a compelling and colorful musicality that is fortified by a genuine, immediately engaging stage presence. As one critic noted: “Each time he strode onstage, it was with winning confidence and a big smile. He’s clearly an accomplished, assured―and communicative—pro” (Dallas Morning News).

Dmytro’s debut album was released by Naxos in 2020; it received a “Supersonic Award” from Pizzicato and was highly acclaimed by the international critics, one raving he “could be one of the 21st century’s most outstanding pianists” (David’s Review Corner).

CLAYTON STEPHENSON

2022 Cliburn Finalist

American pianist Clayton Stephenson’s love for music is immediately apparent in his joyous charisma onstage, expressive power, and natural ease at the instrument. Hailed for “extraordinary narrative and poetic gifts” and interpretations that are “fresh, incisive and characterfully alive” (Gramophone), he is committed to making an impact on the world through his music-making.

The New York City native credits the generous support of community programs with providing him musical inspiration and resources along the way. As he describes it, the “3rd Street Music School jump-started my music education; the Young People’s Choir taught me phrasing and voicing; the Juilliard Outreach Music Advancement Program introduced me to formal and rigorous piano training, which enabled me to get into Juilliard Pre-College; and the Morningside Music Bridge validated my talent and elevated my self-confidence.” In addition to being the first Black finalist at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2022, he was named 2022 Gilmore Young Artist and 2017 U.S. Presidential Scholar in the Arts.

DANIEL HSU

2017 Cliburn Bronze Medalist

American pianist Daniel Hsu is lauded for performances that are “powerful, thoughtful, and sensitive… this deeply inquisitive artist’s inner probing brought fresh meaning to great warhorses, reaching well beyond his stunning mastery of technical difficulties” (Boston Musical Intelligencer). 

Since his bronze medal win at the 2017 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, where he also took home prizes for best performance of both the commissioned work and chamber music, Daniel has performed with orchestras and in chamber and solo recitals across North America, Europe, and Asia. Ever curious and eager to explore, Daniel worked with rapper Lou Charle$ and singer-songwriter-guitarist Averi Burke to develop and release the single “Free”—which they brought to SXSW in spring 2022—and worked with harpist Bridget Kibbey to provide commentary as a correspondent for the 2022 Cliburn Competition webcast.

2025 Winners

The Cliburn is pleased to offer an opportunity to book one of the  2025 Cliburn winners—the top emerging pianists in the world—prior to the Competition.
Here’s how it works:

1. Select your preferences

A pre-engagement gives you the first right to present the debut of the Cliburn winner in your area. You’ll select a preferred medalist and season or date, or simply confirm your interest in presenting a winner in a future season. The 2025 laureates are available for solo, chamber, or concerto performances, as well as community engagement events or residencies.

2. Follow along with the Competition

There are many ways to follow along over the three weeks of electrifying Competition performances:

• Attend the Competition in Fort Worth as an Official Guest
• Host a watch party in your city and create buzz about your 2025 winner engagement
• Watch the live webcast with millions of piano fans from around the globe

3. Confirm your engagement

Once the winners are announced, we’ll be in touch to go over details and confirm your engagement with a specific medalist. There’s flexibility to make changes as needed, and should we be unable to come to a mutual agreement on artist, date, or other terms, you’re under no obligation to contract a winner.