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340 APPLICATIONS FROM 45 COUNTRIES AND REGIONS RECEIVED FOR 2025 CLIBURN COMPETITION

Posted on by Garrett Owen

October 28, 2024

Applications are in for the seventeenth edition of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—taking place May 21–June 7, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA—340 pianists, representing 45 countries and regions, submitted applications to the Competition, with the greatest numbers coming from China, the United States, South Korea, and Italy. From this pool, up to 84 pianists will be invited to participate in live Screening Auditions, taking place March 16–22, 2025, at PepsiCo Recital Hall at TCU in Fort Worth. Auditions are free and open to the public to attend; pianists and schedule to be announced January 28, 2025.

“The applications are in, and now the carefully orchestrated process begins to select the 30 pianists who will join the ranks of Cliburn competitors next May,” said Cliburn President and CEO Jacques Marquis. “We send our thanks and best wishes to each of the 340 applicants. The future of classical music is bright—and each of these artists is proof of that.”

Learn More about the Competition

2025 APPLICATION STATS

ANNOUNCED: THE CLIBURN AGENCY, A NEW BOUTIQUE ARTIST MANAGEMENT FIRM

Posted on by Garrett Owen

October 1, 2024

Today, the Cliburn launches a new boutique management firm: the Cliburn Agency. The full-service firm offers comprehensive general management, concert booking, project management, and publicity and branding services to a select group of rising and established instrumentalists—piano and beyond—whose high artistic caliber is matched by a vision for moving the field of classical music forward. Visit cliburnagency.com to learn more.

THE LAUNCHING ROSTER

The initial Cliburn Agency roster comprises Anderson & Roe Piano Duo; Greg Anderson, piano; Peter Dugan, piano; Fei-Fei, piano; Bridget Kibbey, harp; and Clayton Stephenson, piano. From intriguing programming and projects to alternative concerts and community engagement, these touring musicians are dedicated to connection and creativity—and they are partnering with the Cliburn to enhance and magnify their careers, efforts, and impact.

 

THE AGENCY

The core of the Cliburn mission is twofold: an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and to supporting extraordinary artists. The most visible expression of that vision is the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—now one of the most-watched classical music events in the world. But it has also materialized in other arenas where the organization has developed industry-wide prowess, including the comprehensive and personalized career management packages awarded to the Competition medalists; robust international publicity efforts; and multiple leading-edge concert series.

The Cliburn will put this foundation of expertise to work for its Agency roster:

  • Decades of experience providing artist management services
  • Long-standing relationships with industry leaders, artists, presenters, and journalists
  • Internationally known brand and reputation in the industry
  • Large online reach with followers around the globe

“The Cliburn Agency is a compelling expansion of the Cliburn’s brand and impact,” said Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO. “Our core mission is to support artists and continuously advance classical music. The management and promotion of exceptional musicians—particularly those with a specific fervor and dedication for expanding audiences and breaking down barriers—is the next step in realizing that mission. Through this new program, the Cliburn develops another powerful way to meet the moment and find new ways to expand classical music’s reach as a source of commonality and shared experience in today’s world.”

VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

The seventeenth edition of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will take place May 21–June 7, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. The 18-day event is expected to reach tens of millions around the globe in a showcase of the future of classical piano like no other. As has been true for decades, the three medalists will receive three years of career management and concert bookings, in a personalized prize package designed to best support healthy career launches for the emerging artists. This is an award from the Cliburn, distinct from the Cliburn Agency roster.

CLIBURN PARTNERS WITH CHEF TIM LOVE TO BRING CLIBURN SESSIONS TO TANNAHILL’S MUSIC HALL

Posted on by Garrett Owen

July 31, 2024

The Cliburn is proud to announce a new partnership with Chef Tim Love on a new venue for its club series, Cliburn Sessions, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary. All four Sessions concerts in the upcoming season will take place at Tannahill’s Music Hall, located in an historic Mule Barn in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Tickets are on sale now at cliburn.org/sessions—full schedule and ticket information is below.

“This kind of partnership is exactly what Fort Worth is about,” said Jacques Marquis, president and CEO. “We are very happy to be collaborating with Tim Love and his excellent team, and we believe that Tannahill’s is the perfect new home for our Cliburn Sessions series. This also is the first time the Cliburn will produce a ticketed concert in the famed Fort Worth Stockyards. Cowboys and culture at its finest.”

JOSEPH PARRISH, bass-baritone
Cliburn Concerts debut
Wednesday, October 16, 2024  I  8:00 p.m.
Tannahill’s Music Hall

CAROLINE SHAW, viola/singer/composer & GABRIEL KAHANE, piano/singer/composer
All-new collaboration
Tuesday, November 12, 2024  I  8:00 p.m.
Tannahill’s Music Hall

SIR STEPHEN HOUGH, piano
2022 Cliburn Juror and Composer of the Commissioned Work
Wednesday, January 29, 2025  I  8:00 p.m.
Tannahill’s Music Hall

SIMONE PORTER, violin + BLAKE POULIOT, violin + HSIN-I HUANG, piano
Cliburn Concerts debuts
Wednesday, March 26, 2025  I  8:00 p.m.
Tannahill’s Music Hall

ABOUT CLIBURN SESSIONS

When the Cliburn announced its new concept, Cliburn Sessions—the first series of its kind in the region—in the spring of 2014, President and CEO Jacques Marquis said:

“The concept behind Cliburn Sessions is to present classically trained artists in a very relaxed environment, where they are free to be casual, to blend genres, to interact with the audience. It’s an intimate, cool environment—and will allow us to bring even more great talent to Fort Worth. Many of these musicians may venture outside of the classical idiom during the course of the concert—into jazz, pop, world, alternative. In the hands of exceptional artists, good music is good music.”

The decade that followed has seen magic: classical music’s top international stars playing Fort Worth’s best clubs, venturing outside of the normal concert environment, and expanding and connecting with audiences in a new, meaningful way. Time for Three and Sybarite5 each performed at Live Oak Music Hall on the Near Southside. Cellist Joshua Roman and Brooklyn Rider at downtown’s Scat Jazz Lounge. Pianists Joyce Yang and Teddy Abrams, and violinist Tessa Lark at TX Whiskey Ranch. Pianists George Li and Vadym Kholodenko, as well as violinist Randall Goosby and soprano J’Nai Bridges at The Post at River East. Pianists Gabriela Montero and Conrad Tao at Tulips FTW. The dynamic Anderson & Roe Piano Duo at Fort Brewery. The highlights have been countless and the memories indelible, and the fun will continue this season at Tannahill’s Music Hall!

ABOUT TANNAHILL’S TAVERN & MUSIC HALL

Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall is a 1,000-person capacity venue located in an historic Mule Barn in the heart of the Stockyards Historic District. Combining the Western heritage of Fort Worth, a state-of-the-art concert hall, and Chef Tim Love’s award-winning food and drink, Tannahill’s redefines what it means to be in Cowtown.

From Tannahill’s: “We come from good stock. Located in Fort Worth’s National Historic District, the Stockyards offer an authentic glimpse of the American West. Come see why more than 3 million people visit each year to experience dining, shopping, and entertainment surrounded by the rich history of cowboys, cowgirls, and cattle culture.”

Visit tannahills.com to learn more.

INTRODUCING CLIBURN FAMILY CONCERTS: MAGICAL, MUSICAL EXPERIENCES FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Posted on by Garrett Owen

June 12, 2024

The Cliburn is proud to announce the launch of Cliburn Family Concerts, a series that provides family-friendly musical experiences designed to emphasize themes of wonder, discovery, and exploration. These concerts bring playful programs to some of Fort Worth’s most engaging venues, featuring encounters with a troupe of animals at the Fort Worth Zoo, a celebration of the holidays with a beloved classic at the Fort Worth Stockyards, and a musical voyage into outer space at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The schedule for Cliburn Family Concerts is available below.

Individual tickets and subscriptions are on sale now. Individual tickets are $20 each or $75 for a family 4 pack to one concert; Subscriptions to all three programs are $50 each or $200 for a family 4 pack. Visit cliburn.org/family-concerts for more information. All tickets are general admission. No tickets required for children under 2 years old.

“For several years, we have been thinking about how to give kids and their parents a way to enjoy classical music all together—in a presentation that would be completely magical and unforgettable for all ages, and could become an annual family tradition,” said Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO. “We are so pleased with how this has worked out: we have mesmerizing stories and, of course, the best music, matched with the perfect Fort Worth partners who each bring their own special savoir-faire. We can’t wait!”

2024–2025 CLIBURN FAMILY CONCERTS

The Carnival of the Animals
Saturday, September 14, 2024  I  11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.
Fort Worth Zoo (Outdoor Learning Theater)

Let your imagination go wild as playful musicians impersonate the animal kingdom—from a stately lion and an energetic kangaroo to crazy donkeys and much more. All of this in the frolicsome setting of the Fort Worth Zoo, whose Animal Ambassadors will make special appearances throughout! Join us this fall as two pianos, a flute, a clarinet, and strings bring Saint-Saëns’ humorous suite, The Carnival of the Animals, to life like never before.

Fort Worth Zoo Members may enter the Zoo with Membership Card. Non-Fort Worth Zoo Members may check in at the Zoo Box Office. Concert attendees will receive a complimentary Zoo entry pass.

The Polar Express
Saturday, November 30, 2024  I  10:30 a.m. & 2:30 p.m.
Sunday, December 1, 2024  I  2:30 p.m.
Fort Worth Stockyards Station (Stampede Room)

All aboard the Polar Express! Celebrate the wonder and spirit of the holidays with us as we travel to the North Pole to visit Santa’s home. This one-of-a-kind show features dynamic narration and illustrations from of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved classic book, The Polar Express, with accompanying, hopeful musical interludes and a few surprises. It’s a new holiday tradition in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, where your family can also enjoy the ice rink, photos with Cowboy Santa, the world-famous Herd, and many other festivities!

Voyager
Saturday, February 22, 2025  I  6:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 23, 2025  I  11:00 a.m.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (Jane & John Justin Foundation OMNI Theater)

Take a musical journey through the solar system! As spectacular images from NASA wow us on the brand-new OMNI Theater screen—the most advanced LED display of its kind—a narrator will lead us on our special voyage. The stars and planets will swirl above as a piano, violin, and cello perform songs that explore and celebrate the wonder of space.

 

2024–2025 CLIBURN CONCERTS SINGLE TICKETS & SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW ON SALE

Posted on by Garrett Owen

May 16, 2024

The Cliburn announces its 2024–2025 Cliburn Concerts season, the 47th year of its signature annual recital series. Single Tickets and Subscriptions—including choose-your-own packages—are on sale now. 

Click here for more details.

This is music with something to say.

Two Cliburn medalists, two of classical music’s most ingenious composer-performers, two global icons of classical piano, and SIX Cliburn debuts across voice, violin, cello, and piano. The world’s critics have called performances by this year’s Cliburn Concerts artists “deeply resonant,” “probing,” and “captivating”—filled with “kinetic, forward-looking music,” “inspired musicianship—and more than a few surprises.”

Come hear for yourself this season, with six gorgeously intimate performances in the Renzo Piano Pavilion of the Kimbell Art Museum and four captivating casual Cliburn Sessions concerts at Fort Worth’s best clubs.

JOYCE YANG, piano
2005 Cliburn Silver Medalist
Thursday, September 19, 2024  I  7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Renzo Piano Pavilion
Cliburn at the Kimbell Subscription

JOSEPH PARRISH, bass-baritone
Cliburn Concerts debut
Wednesday, October 16, 2024  I  8:00 p.m.
Venue TBA
Cliburn Sessions Subscription

GABRIEL KAHANE, piano/singer/composer + CAROLINE SHAW, violin/singer/composer
All-new collaboration
Tuesday, November 12, 2024  I  8:00 p.m.
Venue TBA
Cliburn Sessions Subscription

SIR STEPHEN HOUGH, piano
2022 Cliburn Juror and Composer of the Commissioned Work
Wednesday, January 29, 2025  I  8:00 p.m.
Venue TBA
    Cliburn Sessions Subscription

Thursday, January 30, 2025  I  7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Renzo Piano Pavilion
    Cliburn at the Kimbell Subscription

HAOCHEN ZHANG, piano
2009 Cliburn Gold Medalist
Thursday, February 27, 2025  I  7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Renzo Piano Pavilion
    Cliburn at the Kimbell Subscription

SIMONE PORTER, violin + BLAKE POULIOT, violin + HSIN-I HUANG, piano
Cliburn Concerts debuts
Wednesday, March 26, 2025  I  8:00 p.m.
Venue TBA
    Cliburn Sessions Subscription

Thursday, March 27, 2025  I  7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Renzo Piano Pavilion
    Cliburn at the Kimbell Subscription

JEAN-GUIHEN QUEYRAS, cello + ALEXANDER MELNIKOV, piano
Cliburn Concerts debuts
Thursday, April 10, 2025  I  7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Renzo Piano Pavilion
Cliburn at the Kimbell Subscription

EMANUEL AX, piano
Eight-time GRAMMY® Award Winner
    Tuesday, April 22, 2025  I  7:30 p.m.
Kimbell Art Museum Renzo Piano Pavilion
Cliburn at the Kimbell Subscription

Cliburn Concerts will again offer a choose-your-own subscription, where patrons may select anywhere from four to six of the performances at the Kimbell Art Museum to create their own season. Subscription prices range from $95–$210 for four concerts; $115–$255 for five concerts; and $130–$320 for six concerts. For the first time, Platinum Subscription Upgrades are offered for $200 this season at any Cliburn at the Kimbell price level. Benefits include a pre-season reception, premium seating, a post-concert reception with an artist, and complimentary artist CDs, as available.

New this season, all Cliburn at the Kimbell concerts are without intermission and will be approximately 60–75 minutes in length.

Cliburn Sessions subscriptions are available for $160, which include four casual club concerts at venues to be announced.

 

2025 CLIBURN COMPETITION: CONDUCTORS AND SCREENING JURY ANNOUNCED

Posted on by Garrett Owen

December 13, 2023

The Cliburn is proud to announce the artistic collaborators for the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, taking place May 21–June 7, 2025, at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU and Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. Marin Alsop—one of the foremost conductors of our time and the first woman to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria, and Britain—returns to the Cliburn to again lead the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra in the Final Round after her 2022 appearance as both conductor and jury chair. Carlos Miguel Prieto—famed Mexican conductor, influential cultural lead and educator, and newly named music director of the North Carolina Symphony—will conduct the all-Mozart Semifinal Round.

Learn more about 2025 Artistic Collaborators

Additionally announced are the members of the 2025 Cliburn Competition Screening Jury: Philippe Bianconi, Alexander Kobrin, Momo Kodama, Anne-Marie McDermott, and Roberto Plano. All members of the panel combine distinguished performance careers with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. They will be charged with selecting the 30 competitors from the pool of up to 84 pianists invited to the Screening Auditions, taking place March 9–15, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.

Learn more about the 2025 Screening Jury