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Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, American pianist Jon Nakamatsu continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance, and electrifying solo, concerto, and chamber music performances. Catapulted to international attention in 1997 as the gold medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only American to achieve this distinction since 1981—he subsequently developed a multi-faceted career that encompasses recording, education, arts administration, and public speaking, in addition to his vast concert schedule.

Program host Caleb De La Torre recently graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington with a bachelor’s degree in acting. A native of South Texas, Caleb is currently based in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and is active in the local theater scene. He can be seen on stage at the Shakespeare Dallas, Amphibian Stage, and Theatre Arlington, and is a resident actor in the film production company Fluidity Films. The Mexican-American actor is dedicated to education and community engagement, and teaches bilingual theater workshops for students at Dallas Theater Center.

In this concert, 4 of 18 competitors will each perform a 40-minute recital.

2025 Cliburn Competitor Yanjun Chen

Dance rhythms have always fascinated composers. J.S. Bach and his peers composed whole suites of music based on country dances. Chopin found inspiration in that realm and went into the countryside write his mazurkas. Ravel, Debussy, and Sibelius reframed the rhythms of dance through a more modern sensibility, and Stravinsky wrote music for dance his whole life!

2025 Cliburn Competitor Yangrui Cai

Works inspired by American folk music and communities.

Bring your family and friends for a free interactive, educational concert! In this season of Cliburn Kids on the Road, our artists present “What Makes A Hero,” a program that celebrates music with your favorite heroes.

Curiosity, diversity, and complete dedication to the music define the work of French-Canadian cellist Jean-Guihen Queyras. His approach to music focuses on the principle that composer, performer, and audience must share the same inner motivation to achieve a moving, clear concert experience.

Bring your family, friends, and pets (on a leash) for a free interactive, educational concert! In this season of Cliburn Kids on the Road, our artists present “What Makes a Hero?,” a program that celebrates music with your favorite heroes. This performance will be presented bilingually in English and Spanish.