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20 Grammy nominations and eight wins. A touring career that has taken him to every major venue and orchestra in the world. An Avery Fisher Prize.

In this concert, 3 of 28 competitors will each perform a 40-minute recital, including the worldwide debut of the 2025 Cliburn commissioned work composed by Competition juror Gabriela Montero.

In this concert, 3 of 28 competitors will each perform a 40-minute recital, including the worldwide debut of the 2025 Cliburn commissioned work composed by Competition juror Gabriela Montero.

In this concert, 4 of 28 competitors will each perform a 40-minute recital, including the worldwide debut of the 2025 Cliburn commissioned work composed by Competition juror Gabriela Montero.

In this concert, 2 of 12 competitors will each perform a 60-minute recital.

Now in his third decade of touring worldwide, American pianist Jon Nakamatsu continues to draw critical and public acclaim for his intensity, elegance, and electrifying solo, concerto, and chamber music performances. Catapulted to international attention in 1997 as the gold medalist of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition—the only American to achieve this distinction since 1981—he subsequently developed a multi-faceted career that encompasses recording, education, arts administration, and public speaking, in addition to his vast concert schedule.

All aboard the Polar Express! Celebrate the wonder and spirit of the holidays with us as we travel to the North Pole to visit Santa’s home. This one-of-a-kind show features dynamic narration and illustrations from of Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved classic book, The Polar Express, with accompanying, hopeful musical interludes and a few surprises. It’s a new holiday tradition in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, where your family can also enjoy the ice rink, photos with Cowboy Santa, the world-famous Herd, and many other festivities!

This year’s Competition sees the launch of exclusive live recordings available in Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos, alongside Cliburn-curated playlists, and a live album release for each 2025 medalist, via record label Platoon.

The Cliburn announces that its 2026 Gala: Iconically American, will take place Friday, April 10 at the Fort Worth Zoo Reserve. A nod to the United States' 250th birthday, the black-tie event pays homage to the classic elegance of the organization's inspiration and namesake, Van Cliburn—one of the most iconic American musicians and cultural diplomats in history.

Always one of the best parties of the year, this edition will take the party a step further: Texas artists and lifelong friends Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen will take the stage to perform their signature American music.

After more than 25 years, the Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition has been retired.