Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
May 21–June 7, 2025
Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU • Bass Performance Hall • Fort Worth, Texas USA
Paul Lewis, jury chairman
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition is widely considered “one of the most prestigious contests in classical music” (The New York Times, June 2022). From its origins in 1962 through today, it has remained dedicated to sharing music with the largest international audience possible and to launching the careers of its winners. The 2025 edition builds on that rich foundation and the historic success of the 2022 edition, which has become one of the most-watched classical events in history—60 million views across 177 countries—and propelled Gold Medalist Yunchan Lim's meteoric rise to stardom. In the just three seasons since his Cliburn win, concert engagements have included most of the world’s career-highlight venues and orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestras, and Orchestre de Paris, and Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Wigmore Hall, Concertgebouw, and Seoul Arts Center (most quickly sold out). His performance videos are now the most viewed online for some of classical piano’s most popular works, including Rachmaninov Piano Concerto No. 3, Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3, Liszt 12 Transcendental Etudes, and Mozart Piano Concerto No. 22, K. 482.
From an applicant pool of 340 pianists representing 45 countries and regions, 28 have been invited to compete May 21–June 7, 2025. In front of warm Fort Worth audiences, fans around the world watching online, and an outstanding jury chaired by Paul Lewis, they'll perform across four rounds; for finalists, that will mean more than 4 hours of music each.
Beyond the cash awards, they're competing for a chance at an international touring career: medalists win three years of comprehensive and personalized career management, which includes concert bookings, artistic support, and bolstered publicity efforts. The total Cliburn prize package is worth an estimated $2 million.

Introducing the 28 Competitors of the 2025 Competition
EXPERIENCE THE 2025 COMPETITION

Tickets On Sale Now!
Don’t miss your chance to experience the Competition live and in person. Purchase your tickets now to witness the talent and passion of 28 of the best pianists from around the globe, as they perform on the world stage in hopes of launching an international career.
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Competition Schedule
Keep up to date on concerts, announcements, and special events.
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Live Broadcast
Every note, every performance live across multiple channels, including right here at Cliburn.org.
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Volunteer
Play a pivotal role, get an inside view, and be a part of an outstanding legacy.
Vote for your favorite for the Audience Award
2025 Competition Quick Links
Competition News
Check below for the latest major announcements, as well as press coverage from around the world.
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Order of Performance Announced for 2025 Cliburn Competition
Korkmaz Can Sağlam, 25, of Türkiye, has withdrawn from the Seventeenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, citing health reasons. He will not be replaced, and the Competition will begin with 28 pianists.
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Fort Worth Report: The Cliburn Competition elevates Fort Worth
Over a 63-year history, the Cliburn Competitions have helped to establish a cultural landmark in North Texas.
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2025 Cliburn Competition Broadcast Details + New Partnership with Apple Music Classical & Platoon
Hear every note from wherever you are: there are more ways than ever to watch and listen to the Cliburn.
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KERA/Fort Worth Report: How does age impact competitor performance?
Through statistics and interviews, three Cliburn laureates share their perspectives on the impact of age and experience on competitor performance.