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The Cliburn advances classical piano music throughout the world. Its international competitions, education programs, and concert series embody an enduring commitment to artistic excellence and the discovery of new artists. Established in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1962, the quadrennial Van Cliburn International Piano Competition remains the most visible expression of that mission and is, as always, committed to its original ideals of supporting and launching the careers of emerging artists, age 18–30. It shares the transformative powers of music with a wide global audience, through fully produced webcasts and by providing comprehensive career management and concert bookings to its winners.

Lilya Zilberstein got her first taste of international success in 1987 when she won the Busoni Competition in Bolzano. By 1988, the Moscow-born pianist was able to perform big tours abroad in the West. Traveling for her concerts took her to almost all of Europe, Mexico, Japan, Korea, Canada, and Brazil.

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.

The Passport to Pianotown invites you to businesses around Fort Worth, Texas, for unique Cliburn-themed offers and experiences, happening throughout the 2025 Cliburn Competition.

Join us at Steinway Piano Gallery of Fort Worth across the street from Bass Performance Hall and enjoy a free recital from several 2025 Cliburn competitors. Bring your lunch or purchase onsite from Nguyen Lou Banh Mi.

Enjoy live music in the Plaza performed by Havana NRG; and celebrate the 2025 Cliburn medalists—who will be introduced as the newest honorary Fort Worthians by Mayor Mattie Parker—finishing with a Van Cliburn-themed fireworks spectacle.

The Cliburn is pleased to announce a 20-year partnership with Southern Methodist University (SMU) and the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, covering the next five editions of the Cliburn International Competition for Young Pianists (formerly known as the Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival). The next edition of the Cliburn International Competition for Young Pianists takes place June 10–19, 2027, in Dallas, Texas.

Join us in Sundance Square Plaza for the two-night Competition Grand Finale, completely free to attend.

Through purchases at restaurants, hotels, transportation, and destinations, Cliburn patrons and visitors will be an economic boon to Fort Worth.

Two-time GRAMMY® Award-winning American mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges transports audiences to turn-of-the-century Paris in an evening celebrating La Belle Epoch.