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Pianist Lauren Koszyk maintains a versatile career as an educator, opera coach, and collaborative pianist in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. A graduate of the University of North Texas, she earned her Master of Music in Collaborative Piano with a related field in Early Music; she also holds a degree in German Language. Ms. Koszyk has been presented with top honors by the Governor of Illinois and the President of Illinois State University.

Violinist Tessa Lark is one of the most captivating artistic voices of our time, consistently praised by critics and audiences for her astounding range of sounds, technical agility, and musical elegance.

Mexican actress Julia Landey has a wide-ranging career as a performer, educator, and entrepreneur. She earned a degree in acting at the University of Guadalajara and went on to win the 2015 Proyecta Production award, given by the state of Jalisco’s Ministry of Culture, for a monologue that she wrote and performed in. She also enjoyed a season in residence in one of Mexico City’s major theaters.

The Cliburn prides itself on a history of volunteerism and southern hospitality. None of the programs the Cliburn provides would be possible without the incredible support and commitment of our volunteers. Become part of the outstanding legacy of Cliburn volunteers and help us share great music with the world.

Form for Cliburn Board Members 2025–2026

Vote for your favorite competitor! The pianist with the most votes will receive the Carla and Kelly Thompson Audience Award and a cash prize of $2,500, presented at the Awards Ceremony on June 7, 2025.

No refunds or exchanges will be allowed for Competition ticket-package purchases.

Born in Fort Worth, Texas, Sara Doan began studying piano at the age of 3 with Donna Edwards. Under her tutelage, Ms. Doan won top prizes in several state and regional competitions. She earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in piano performance at the University of North Texas, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at TCU.

Tianxu An, from Baoding, near Beijing, is a sought-after young artist, both at home in China and around the world. In June 2019, Tianxu drew international attention when he won fourth prize and a special prize for “courage and restraint” in the XVI International Tchaikovsky Competition—the highest award for a Chinese pianist at that contest in 17 years. A month later, he made his debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann Center.

Equally in demand as a recitalist, soloist, and chamber musician, Mikhail Berestnev brings to every performance the experiences of a career spanning the globe, including Australia, Ireland, Russia, Belgium, Brazil, and Spain, in addition to concert halls across the United States. Recent collaborations include solo appearances under the direction of Maestro Hector Guzman, and composer and conductor Dr. Robert Xavier Rodriguez; in chamber music with members of the Dallas Symphony; as part of the MAKE Trio; and with the Julius String Quartet.