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Andrew Li credits his time in the Harvard University/New England Conservatory of Music joint program with substantially aiding in his development as a musician and a human being. He is currently finishing a bachelor’s degree in human evolutionary biology and a master’s in piano performance, the latter under the guidance of Wha Kyung Byun, with whom he has studied since the age of 12.

A native of Aichi, Japan, Masaya Kamei—at the age of 20—has achieved major piano accolades in his home country. He was the first to be accepted to the Toho Gakuen College Music Department a year early (in 2019). At the same time, he was the first to win both of Japan’s largest national competitions, the Music Competition of Japan Piano Division and the PTNA Piano Competition Special Grade, in a single year. Other awards include the Masuzawa, Nomura, Iguchi, Kawai, Miyake, and Steinway Prizes; the Argerich Arts Promotion Foundation Award; and the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award.

Milan native Francesco Granata’s journey with music began when he was 5 and has not stopped since. He graduated from the Milan Conservatory in 2016, with the highest evaluation and special mention. He then had the opportunity to study under two distinguished Cliburn laureates: Benedetto Lupo at the St. Cecilia Academy in Rome, where he obtained the Master Course Diploma, and—now—Roberto Plano at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.

Named by The Economist as one of Twenty Living Polymaths, Stephen Hough combines a distinguished career as a pianist with those of composer, writer, and painter. He was the first classical performer awarded a MacArthur Fellowship and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the New Year’s Honours 2014.

Announcement of the 2025–2026 season for Cliburn at the Kimbell, Cliburn Sessions, and Cliburn Festival

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.

Twelve pianists advance to the 2025 Cliburn Competition's Semifinal Round, taking place May 28–June 1 at Bass Performance Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, USA.

The Cliburn offers a distinctive work experience, with a fast-paced, collaborative environment where team members are encouraged to take responsibility and achieve excellence. Located in beautiful offices in downtown Fort Worth, the Cliburn staff enjoys being an integral part of this community while operating as a major international cultural institution. Interested in joining the Cliburn team? See open positions.

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