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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.

Alessandro Deljavan, jury member for the 2027 Cliburn International Competition for Young Pianists

When Arseniy Gusev was 5 years old, an upright piano was brought into his St. Petersburg home, and he immediately started playing and experimenting with it. He wrote his first piece—a romance on a Pushkin poem—shortly thereafter, and his grandmother asked him if he would like to go to music school. He went on to study both composition and piano performance at the St. Petersburg Conservatory. Upon graduation in 2018, he moved to the United States, where he attends the Cleveland Institute of Music, under the tutelage of Sergei Babayan (piano) and Keith Fitch (composition).

On Jonathan Mak’s third birthday, his sister’s piano teacher decided to give him a trial lesson; he has been actively studying both piano and viola ever since. He made his orchestra debut with the Canadian Sinfonietta just one year later, at the age of 4.

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 Salsa Limón.

Over a 63-year history, the Cliburn Competitions have helped to establish a cultural landmark in North Texas.

After Vitaly Starikov completed his studies at the Ural Special Music School in his native Yekaterinburg, his “dream came true” when he began studying with Vera Gornostayeva, one of the world’s most venerated teachers, at the Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory. At that time, her student, Vadym Kholodenko, had just won the 2013 Cliburn Competition, which “greatly inspired” Vitaly: “and it was then that the thought was born to someday participate in this competition.”

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.

Adopt-A-Competitor returns to local libraries this year, inviting you to see two of the 2025 competitors—Xuanxiang Wang and Jiarui Cheng—perform 20 minutes each ahead of the upcoming 2025 Cliburn Competition. Bring your friends and family for this fun culturally inspired program.

Spend Spring Break with Cliburn Kids on the Road: Keys to America at Chandor Gardens