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The Cliburn initiated Adopt-A-Competitor in 1997, in collaboration with Fort Worth ISD, to give children a direct link to the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Competitors volunteered to present concerts to local elementary school students, answer questions, and take pictures. Students then tracked their competitor’s progress throughout the Competition. Since the program’s inception, North Texas kids have met and learned about 66 Cliburn competitors, including five medalists.

The announcement of the 12 semifinalists in the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, held following the conclusion of the Quarterfinal Round.

The announcement of the 18 quarterfinalists in the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, held following the conclusion of the Preliminary Round.

When he was a child, Ziyu Liu’s parents discovered that he could memorize melodies of songs and play them, without any instruction, on their electric keyboard. They bought him a piano, and he started learning on his own. At the age of 11, he decided that he wanted to become a professional pianist because of the joy he got from communicating with others through music.

Info for Arts Presenters

In this concert, 3 of 28 competitors will each perform a 40-minute recital, including the worldwide debut of the 2025 Cliburn commissioned work composed by Competition juror Gabriela Montero.

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

Get a taste of the artistry and excitement of the upcoming 2025 Cliburn Competition! Bring your friends and family for a free concert at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, featuring 2013 finalist Fei-Fei in this year's Countdown to the Cliburn series.

Paul Lewis chairs the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition jury, featuring Till Fellner, Mari Kodama, Anne-Marie McDermott, Gabriela Montero, Jon Nakamatsu, Lise de la Salle, Yevgeny Sudbin, and Wu Han.

In this concert, 2 of 12 competitors will each perform a 60-minute recital.