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A guide for concert-goers to the Cliburn's 2025–2026 Season

In June 2022, Yunchan Lim 임윤찬 became the youngest person ever to win gold at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition; his performances throughout showcased a “magical ability” and a “natural, instinctive quality” (La Scena) that astounded listeners around the world. As Jury Chair Marin Alsop expressed: “Yunchan is that rare artist who brings profound musicality and prodigious technique organically together.” The depth of his artistry and connection to listeners also secured him the Audience Award and Best Performance of a New Work.

From world-class Competitions and traditional recitals by classical music's biggest stars to intimate, casual concerts and fun, interactive performances for the whole family, the Cliburn welcomes everyone from the seasoned connoisseur to the newcomer to enjoy great music. Learn more about our different events below and join us for unforgettable musical moments.

The Cliburn International Competition for Conductors in June 2028 will be the first major international conducting competition in North America. The new event represents another major expansion for the Cliburn’s almost 65-year-old history: the creation of a new top-level contest as well as the production of its first large-scale project in Houston, Texas.

Dance rhythms have always fascinated composers. J.S. Bach and his peers composed whole suites of music based on country dances. Chopin found inspiration in that realm and went into the countryside write his mazurkas. Ravel, Debussy, and Sibelius reframed the rhythms of dance through a more modern sensibility, and Stravinsky wrote music for dance his whole life!

As in competitions past, the three medalists receive a comprehensive and personalized career management package, including three years of concert bookings, artistic planning mentorship, traditional and social media training, logistics support, and tax and financial planning guidance, as well as commercial recording releases and a complete promotional package.

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Info for Arts Presenters

The world’s critics have called performances by this year’s Cliburn Concerts artists “deeply resonant,” “probing,” and “captivating”—filled with “kinetic, forward-looking music,” “inspired musicianship—and more than a few surprises.” Come hear for yourself this season, with six gorgeously intimate performances in the Piano Pavilion of the Kimbell Art Museum and four captivating casual Cliburn Sessions concerts at Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards.

Application & Rules for the 2025 Cliburn Competition