Search

These five gold medalists run the gamut in terms of personality and performance style. That no two of them sound alike is one of the Cliburn's proudest claims, and their artistic voices paved the way to even brighter futures.

2025 Cliburn Competitor Alice Burla

Albert Cano Smit has “established himself as an artist to watch” (Montreal Gazette), having won first prizes at the 2019 Young Concert Artists International Auditions and the 2017 Walter W. Naumburg Piano Competition, the latter of which earned him a Carnegie Hall debut at Weill Recital Hall. He was also awarded the prestigious Arthur Rubinstein Piano Prize from The Juilliard School in 2020, and had strong finishes in the 2017 Montreal and 2016 Hilton Head competitions.

Enjoy Family Photo Ops in a Halloween photo booth and free candy and snacks as the lights of the Singing Trees synchronize the Spooky Sounds of Cliburn in the Community.

Denis Linnik began his musical education in his hometown of Maryina Horka, Belarus, when he was 6. Just two years later, he moved to Minsk to study piano and live with other talented young musicians—he says being constantly surrounded by music made it a truly inseparable part of his life. His musical development advanced quickly over the next years, leading him to success in youth competitions and successful stints at the State Gymnasium-College of Arts “I.O. Akhremchik” and the Belarusian State Academy of Music.

Called the “Van Cliburn of today” by the BBC, pianist Alexander Kobrin has placed himself at the forefront of today’s performing musicians. His prize-winning performances have been praised for their brilliant technique, musicality, and emotional engagement with the audience.

Join the Cliburn as we celebrate Lunar New Year!

Dress up in your scariest or silliest costumes and get ready for a night filled with music, treats, tricks, and lots of laughter. Cliburn performances will occur for 10 minutes each at every half hour.

Mari Kodama is consistently praised for her virtuosity in a wide range of repertoire, including orchestral, chamber, and solo works by composers of all periods. She is also known for her natural musicality, tonal expressiveness with a clear form, and as a benchmark Beethoven interpreter.

Join the Cliburn as we celebrate Lunar New Year!