Welcome Message

Dear friends,

To say 2022 is a meaningful year for the Cliburn is an understatement. First and foremost, after a historic one-year postponement (the first in our 60year history), we will host the sixteenth edition of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition— one of the preeminent classical music events in the world and the pride of Fort Worth—in June.

In March, 72 of the best pianists will come here from around the globe for their 25-minute chance to showcase their artistry and ability on the Cliburn stage in front of our Screening Jury—with the goal of securing one of only 30 spots to return in June as a competitor. Those performances are free and open to the public to attend at TCU’s PepsiCo Recital Hall.

Then the Competition begins June 2 at the brand-new Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU and concludes June 18 at Bass Performance Hall. You’ll want to be involved: buy tickets to attend now (they’re going fast!); contact our office for volunteer opportunities; watch the gorgeous and entertaining webcast. We have a lot of surprises in store in the lead up to and during the Competition, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all. Stay tuned throughout the spring.

As the Cliburn turns 60 this year, we continue to innovate in order to engage as many people as we can with classical music—adapting to the times, while never sacrificing extremely high artistic integrity. We hope you’ve seen and continue to enjoy our multiple digital series that launched in 2020. But we (and you) know that there is no substitute for the live concert experience, and we’re so happy you’re joining us this season as we return to the traditions that we appreciate now more than ever, and as we also forge new ground to welcome new audiences.

We’re returning at last to the elegant Piano Pavilion auditorium of the Kimbell Art Museum with two full recitals; trying some new things with our longtime partner, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth: a Q&A and concert format with our 2017 gold medalist to kick off the Competition countdown, and also a wonderful evening-time composer-driven event; using The Post at River East—the primary home for our recent Pop-Up Concerts—for three casual concerts (plus food and drink!); and hosting one special concert at one of Fort Worth’s newest club, Tulips.

Thank you all, and cheers to 2022!