Cliburn News February 2024

FROM THE PRESIDENT

The seventeenth edition of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will be here before we know it! In just 16 months, the first notes will be played at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU and broadcast to our large international audience, which has grown exponentially in the 19 months since the conclusion of the 2022 Competition.

We can’t wait to welcome more extraordinary talent to Fort Worth—and now is the pivotal time for putting just the right pieces into place for an event that is worthy of their excellence. They work tirelessly to finetune their technique and voices to share on our stage, and our responsibility is to rise to that level to provide them the ideal conditions where they can perform their best.

Artistically, we are extremely pleased with the talented, field-leading artists who have committed to join us on stage or in the jury box. First, Marin Alsop returns to conduct the Final Round! Her engagement and dedication with the 2022 finalists were overwhelming, and we are truly grateful to have her back. For the Semifinal Round, we will welcome the conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto in his Cliburn debut. He will have a lot to do with the 12 Mozart concertos (and the 12 candidates!).

There are also new faces on the jury. Paul Lewis, one of the most well-respected pianists in the world, will be the jury chairman. Also, for the first time on the Van Cliburn Competition jury, we will welcome Gabriela Montero, Lise de la Salle, Yevgeny Sudbin, and our own Jon Nakamatsu, gold medalist of 1997. We are equally happy to welcome back past jurors Wu Han, Rico Gulda, and Andreas Haefliger from 2022, and Mari Kodama from 2017. Once again, we have a jury of nine active touring pianists who know what it takes to build a meaningful career.

This year, the fantastic Gabriela Montero, pianist and amazing improviser, will also write the commissioned work. AND she will come in April 2024 to perform in two Cliburn Concerts! I would not miss these concerts if I were you…

Incidentally, this spring’s Cliburn Concerts will also welcome Marc-André Hamelin, juror and composer of the 2017 Competition, with the cellist Johannes Moser, and—to finish the season with a bang—our favorite piano duo, Anderson & Roe.

Crescendo, the documentary about the 2022 Competition, premiered in South Korea in August and Fort Worth in October. We are working on worldwide distribution and will keep you posted.

We are back in schools with great momentum with 300 concerts, free of charge in the DFW area. New this year, we have bilingual concerts (English and Spanish) and adaptive presentations for all learning types. Our objective is to reach more than 60,000 students by the end of the year!

All of this is only possible because of your generous donations and other contributions. Your support is crucial and can be made in many ways: volunteerism, donation, corporate donation, networking, golf tournament participation, gala support, gift shop and ticket purchases, etc. The mission of the Cliburn, 62 years later, is still to help the careers of exceptional artists and expand the audience in so many ways.

Thank you for helping us do just that!

Jacques Marquis President and CEO

4

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2025 COMPETITION

The jury and artistic collaborators are set. Applications are open now and are due in October!

6

2025 COMPETITION SCHEDULE AND VENUES

Mark your schedule now to attend the Competition as we return to Bass Performance Hall and Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU.

2022 WINNER UPDATES

Our three winners continue to entrance audiences and make history around the globe.

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14

12

LAUREATE UPDATE: HAOCHEN ZHANG

Major debuts and an impressive, growing discography are recent highlights of our 2009 gold medalist’s burgeoning career.

FALL 2023 IN PHOTOS

Concerts, community, movies, and golf. This fall was one for the books.

21SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: LARRY E. BOERDER ARCHITECTS /PENCIL POINT CONSTRUCTION

From the Junior to concerts to the 2025 Competition, this new sponsor is all in.

22 CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

300 in-school presentations reaching 60,000 students. The Cliburn education efforts are back at prepandemic numbers.

23 A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN

SEVENTEENTH VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

Widely considered “one of the most prestigious contests in classical music” (The New York Times), the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition exists to share excellent classical music with the largest international audience possible and to launch the careers of its winners every four years. Building on a rich tradition that began with its 1962 origins in honor of Van Cliburn and his vision for using music to serve audiences and break down boundaries, the Cliburn seeks, with each edition, to achieve the highest artistic standards while utilizing contemporary tools to advance its reach. Beyond cash prizes, winning a Cliburn medal means comprehensive career management, artistic support, and bolstered publicity efforts for the three years following.

The 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition builds on the historic success of the 2022 edition, which was an outstanding embodiment of the Cliburn’s core tenets: enduring commitment to artistic excellence, the discovery of new artists, and the advancement of classical piano music throughout the world. It reached a record-breaking number of people around the globe, exponentially surpassing viewership and online engagement from its past editions. It has now become one of the most-watched classical events in history, with more than 40 million views on Cliburn online channels across 177 countries— and immeasurable viral reach beyond that.

And it launched the careers of three extraordinary medalists: Gold Medalist Yunchan Lim, Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene, and Bronze Medalist Dmytro Choni. Learn more about their recent successes on pages 8–11.

LEARN

ABOUT THE

COMPETITION ARTWORK

LEARN

MAY 21–JUNE 7, 2025

Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU I Bass Performance Hall Fort Worth, Texas USA I Paul Lewis, jury chairman

COMPETITION JURY

The 2025 Cliburn jury comprises some of the best performing pianists of our time. Each jury member actively shapes the classical music landscape through their performance and instruction.

SCREENING JURY All members of the panel combine distinguished performance careers with a commitment to nurturing the next generation of artists. They will be charged with selecting the 30 competitors from the pool of up to 84 pianists invited to the Screening Auditions, taking place March 9–15, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas.

©DAAS

UPCOMING COMPETITION CYCLE

Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

May 21–June 7, 2025

For pianists 18 to 30 years old Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival

June 2027 (Details to be announced 2026)

For pianists 13 to 17 years old Dallas, Texas, USA

Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition

June 2028 (Details to be announced 2027)

For non-professional pianists 35 years and older Fort Worth, Texas, USA

Paul Lewis, jury chairman ireland/united kingdom

Rico Gulda austria

Jon Nakamatsu united states

Andreas Haefliger switzerland

Mari Kodama japan/united states

Gabriela Montero venezuela/united states

Lise de la Salle france

Yevgeny Sudbin united kingdom

Wu Han china taiwan/united states

Alexander Kobrin united states

Philippe Bianconi france

Momo Kodama japan

Anne-Marie McDermott united states

Roberto Plano italy

SEVENTEENTH VAN CLIBURN INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION

THE SCHEDULE

SCREENING AUDITIONS

March 9–15, 2025 I Fort Worth, Texas I Up to 84 selected applicants perform 25-minute recitals

PRELIMINARY ROUND

May 21–23, 2025 I Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU

30 competitors perform a 40-minute recital, to include commissioned work by Gabriela Montero

QUARTERFINAL ROUND

GABRIELA MONTERO 2025 Composer of Commissioned Work

When awarding her the 2023 Performance Today Classical Woman of the Year, American Public Media noted that Venezuela-born Gabriela Montero is “a soulful artist at the piano, bringing out the beauty and humanity in a wide range of music, and a fervent composer of music that speaks to the joy and tumult of our times.”

May 24–25, 2025 I Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU I 18 competitors perform a 40-minute recital

SEMIFINAL ROUND

May 28–June 1, 2025 I Bass Performance Hall

12 competitors in two phases: 60-minute recital AND Mozart concerto with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Carlos Miguel Prieto

FINAL ROUND

June 3–7, 2025 I Bass Performance Hall

CARLOS MIGUEL PRIETO 2025 Semifinal Round Conductor

Known for his charisma and expressive interpretations, Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto has established himself not just as a major figure in the orchestra world but also as an influential cultural leader, educator, and a champion of new music. He just began his tenure as music director of the North Carolina Symphony.

6 competitors perform two concertos with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and Marin Alsop

MARIN ALSOP 2025 Final Round Conductor

One of the foremost conductors of our time, Marin Alsop represents a powerful and inspiring voice. Convinced that music has the power to change lives, she is internationally recognized for her innovative approach to programming and audience development, deep commitment to education, and championing of music’s importance in the world. The first woman to serve as the head of a major orchestra in the United States, South America, Austria, and Britain, she is, as The New York Times put it, not only “a formidable musician and a powerful communicator” but also “a conductor with a vision.”

Photo: Anders Brogaard

Photo: Adriane White

Photo: Benjamin Ealovega

MAY 21–JUNE 7, 2025

Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU I Bass Performance Hall

Fort Worth, Texas USA I Paul Lewis, jury chairman

THE VENUES

VAN CLIBURN CONCERT HALL AT TCU

The Cliburn returns to TCU’s new, acoustically rich performance hall, after its successful inauguration at the 2022 Competition; it received rave reviews from competitors, patrons, and critics alike. The 700-seat Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU provides the perfect setting for the all-recital Preliminary and Quarterfinal Rounds.

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

For the Semifinal and Final Rounds, the Cliburn moves to downtown Fort Worth’s 2042-seat stunning cultural jewel, Bass Performance Hall. The Competition’s home since 2001, the Hall is well-recognized around the globe for its acoustics and architecture—including the 80-foot diameter Great Dome and two 48-foot tall, iconic angels that grace the Grand Façade.

Photos: Ralph Lauer and Richard Rodriguez

YUNCHAN LIM

he makes the pianistic planet tremble underfoot

The New

2022 CLIBURN GOLD MEDALIST

Photo: James Hole / Decca Classics

As he did at the end of 2022, Yunchan Lim ended the year on a series of best-of lists; the album of the Liszt Transcendental Etudes, recorded live during the Cliburn Semifinal Round and released by the Steinway & Sons label in July, landed on:

• The New Yorker’s Notable Classical Recordings of 2023

“He has the potential to become a once-in-a-generation pianist, one who combines astounding virtuosity with interpretive depth”

• The New York Times Best Classical Music Albums of 2023

“He is already so mind-bogglingly accomplished technically, and so refined musically, that these formidable works sound easy”

• Gramophone’s Best Classical Music Albums of 2023

“Here is a pianist who is going to throw caution to the wind and offer…an experience the audience will never forget”

SPRING 2024 TOUR

Yunchan signed an exclusive recording contract with Decca Classics this fall, with the label announcing his first album to be released in spring 2024. This will follow on the heels of major debuts also coming up in the spring: subscription concerts for Boston, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore Symphony Orchestras; his Carnegie Hall debut recital and a return to Wigmore Hall; and a North American tour with the Orchestre de Paris in collaboration with Klaus Mäkelä, one of classical music’s hottest young conductors. JANUARY

25–26

Wigmore Hall, LondonRavinia Festival, Highland Park, IL with Marin Alsop & Chicago Symphony Orchestra

Seoul Arts Center with Myung-Whun Chung & Munich Philharmonic

Fondation Louis Vuitton, ParisBass Performance Hall with Robert Spano & Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

ANNA GENIUSHENE

2022 CLIBURN SILVER MEDALIST

ANNAGENIUSHENE.COM

Anna Geniushene traversed the globe in fall 2023: she made debuts in Prague, Cyprus, Korea, and China; traveled across the United States and Europe in solo and duo recitals; and released her album Berceuse, of which Scott Cantrell of The Dallas Morning News gently hailed: “the unassuming warmth of Geniushene’s musicianship is everywhere evident.” In a special occasion, Anna joined other members of the Geniušas family (including husband Lukas) for a 100th anniversary celebration of personal favorite Simeon Ten Holt, playing his monumental hour-long Canto Ostinato on four pianos in November. Up next, she looks forward to recording sessions for a duo-piano album with Lukas; recitals including in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Vancouver, and Vienna; and sitting on the jury of the International Piano Competition Istanbul Orchestra’Sion.

SPRING 2024 TOUR

France

Credit:

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MARCH

1

3

Hawai’i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI

5 Hawaii Concert Society, Hilo, HI

19 Funkhaus, Berlin, Germany, with pianist Lukas Geniušas

21 Tiroler Festspiele, Erl, Austria

29–31 Istanbul Orchestra’Sion Competition jury

APRIL

1–5 Istanbul Orchestra’Sion Competition jury

7 Vancouver Chopin Society, Vancouver, BC, Canada

20 Richardson Symphony Orchestra, TX

24 Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL

27 Washington Performing Arts, Washington, DC

MAY

1 WWU Sanford-Hill Piano Series, Bellingham, WA

8 Wiener Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria

JUNE

19 Vilnius National Symphony Orchestra, Lithuania

22 Bolzano, Italy, with pianist Lukas Geniušas

24 Munich, Germany, with pianist Lukas Geniušas

25 Eppan, Italy, with pianist Lukas Geniušas

Shenzen Bay Opera, ChinaMagazine Cover!Festival de Piano de la Roque d’Anthéron,

Valentine Chauvin

CD release Shenzen Bay Opera, China

Photo: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

DMYTRO CHONI

2022 CLIBURN BRONZE MEDALIST

DMYTROCHONI.COM

Dmytro Choni closed out 2023 with his first ever performance of the Brahms First Concerto, in collaboration with the Badische Philharmonie Pforzheim and conducted by Robin Davis, which was praised by Pforzheimer Zeitung for “virtuoso technique, creative will, and sensitivity.” Earlier in the season, he also made his Lucerne Festival recital debut, completed a tour of the United States, and began his artist residency at the Edesche Concertzaal.

Winter/spring 2024 is highlighted by tours with violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann, recital debuts at the Elbphilharmonie and Wiener Konzerthaus, and continuation of his Edesche residency.

SPRING 2024 TOUR

JANUARY

16 Teatro Verdi, Pisa, Italy, with violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann

18 Societa Filarmonica Trento, Italy, with violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann

20 Sala dei Notari, Perugia, Italy, with violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann

27 Konzerthaus, Blaibach, Germany, with violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann

28 Prinzregententheater, Germany, with violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann

FEBRUARY

28 Wiener Konzerthaus, Vienna, Austria

MARCH

17 Oracle Piano Society, Oracle, AZ

20 Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts, Chicago, IL

21 Birmingham Museum of Art, Birmingham, AL

23 Irving Symphony Orchestra, Irving, TX 28

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX

APRIL

12 Herve, Belgium with violinist Josef Spacek

13 Edesche Concertzaal, Ede, Netherlands with violinist Josef Spacek

MAY

2 Wiener Kammerorchester, Vienna, Austria

16 Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein, Strasbourg, France

25 Filharmonia Pomorska, Bydgoszcz, Poland

29 Edesche Concertzaal, Ede, Netherlands with cellist Julian Stechel

JUNE

4 NDR Sendesaal, Hannover, Germany

6 Robert-Schumann-Saal, Dusseldorf, Germany

7 Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg, Germany

14–16 Lille Piano Festival, Lille, France

National Symphony Orchestra Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic with José Antonio Molina

Engadin Festival, Switzerland with violinist Veriko Tchumburidze

Edesche Concertzaal Netherlands

Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain

Sinfonieorchester Liechtenstein with Dawid Runtz

Photo: Lisa-Marie Mazzucco

HAOCHEN ZHANG

I just want to do my best with each performance, and always believe I can do better than what I did.

Haochen Zhang

Photo:

In the almost 15 years since he won Cliburn gold at the age of 19, Haochen Zhang has captivated audiences in the United States, Europe, and Asia with a unique combination of deep musical sensitivity, fearless imagination, and spectacular virtuosity. In recent seasons, he debuted with the New York Philharmonic and Lucerne Festival Orchestra; performed with the Filarmonica della Scala, NHK Symphony Orchestra, and Staatskapelle Berlin; toured Asia with The Philadelphia Orchestra; gave extensive recital and concerto tours in Asia with performances in China, Hong Kong, and Japan; and gave a concerto performance at Carnegie Hall with the NCPA Orchestra, which was followed by his recital debut at Carnegie’s Zankel Hall. And he’s built an already impressive discography. We caught up with him last month:

CLIBURN: It seems that one of your great and successful career focuses have been recordings, with a longstanding relationship with BIS Records. Tell us how you’ve gone about choosing each of those projects—how do you decide what to record? Also, what will the Apple purchase of the label mean for you?

HAOCHEN: Each album is a different case, but overall I mainly decide my album program based on pieces I feel the closest with in that particular period. I have been listening to music on Apple Music for years, and I hope the purchase could help bring BIS’s recordings to more listeners who, like me, use Apple Music as their main source of music-listening.

CLIBURN: Your most recent recording of the Liszt Transcendental Etudes has received rave reviews! They’ve become quite popular in recent years. Why do you think that is and why did you decide to record them?

HAOCHEN: In my experience the Transcendental Etudes have always been popular—growing up playing the piano, they are always a symbol of pianistic virtuosity. But after performing them as a set, I discovered that beneath all the notorious technical wizardry, there lies a kaleidoscopic world of colors/nuances and a deep poetic narrative that fascinated me more with each performance. That’s the reason I decided to record them.

CLIBURN: You’ve also had quite a few major concerts and debuts lately. Are there any special recent concert experiences you’d like to share?

HAOCHEN: I have to go with my debut with the Berlin Staatskapelle at Berlin Philharmonie this past June. It’s truly a dream-come-true to play in this hall, a place I grew up watching so many legendary performances from videos.

CLIBURN: Tell us about life in Philadelphia. What does a day in your life look like when you’re not on the road?

HAOCHEN: I read books, watch films, and occasionally, I practice.☺

CLIBURN: You have always had deep interests in other arts outside of the piano. Are you still active in painting, poetry, or any other area? Are these other passions still informing your music?

HAOCHEN: It’s been a while since I painted or wrote poems, but I do when I am in the mood. I think all your passions will ultimately inform who you are as a person and will inevitably show in your music in one way or another. Speaking of “passion,” my first book On the Other Side of Performing was published in China in 2022, and it’s a collection of essays I wrote during the quarantine periods in the pandemic, when I couldn’t practice. The process of writing about music fascinated me—it’s the first time I approached music from a silent world, the world of words—and somehow I emerged from this experience feeling more grateful to music than ever.

CLIBURN: Often a musician’s vision of themself as an artist changes over time. What was your vision of yourself in 2009, and how does that compare with today?

HAOCHEN: I think I am more comfortable and appreciative to challenge and change compared to when I was in 2009. Part of being an artist is about growth—if I am ever more sure about one thing, it’s that I will always remain curious.

CLIBURN: Your career is really flourishing—and it built at a nice pace over the last almost 15 years. What do you think the secret of solid career building is for a touring musician? Put differently, what advice do you have for young artists or recent competition winners?

HAOCHEN: Honestly, “career building” has never been my focus or priority. I just want to do my best with each performance, and always believe I can do better than what I did. That keeps driving me forward. Career to me, on the other hand, is more like a “by-product” that comes along during this journey.

CLIBURN: Last question… which artists or what recordings are you listening to right now?

HAOCHEN: These several days I am listening to Beethoven’s complete string quartets by Quatuor Ebène.

FALL 2023 IN PHOTOS

This past fall saw of flurry of unforgettable music moments and time together. In September, 2022 Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene returned for her official Cliburn Concerts debut at the Kimbell Art Museum, and we hosted the Second Cliburn Classic golf tournament at River Crest Country Club. October brought the special Homecoming Concert + Party—with 12 artists performing at TX Whiskey Ranch—and the North American premiere of Crescendo, the new film about the 2022 Competition that is currently the #1 documentary in theaters across South Korea and will soon be available for streaming worldwide. And finally the holiday season brought back Fort Worth favorite and 2013 finalist Fei-Fei for a series of heartwarming appearances: exclusive concerts for Keyboard Circle and Cliburn 180º members; community concerts for James L. West Center for Dementia Care, Meals on Wheels, and Young Women’s Leadership Academy; and a sold-out Pop-up Concert at The Post at River East.

CLIBURN CLASSIC - SEPT 2023

Best

Practice is “Key”

Cliburn Classic Chairmen: Reese & Rebecca Hillard, Morgan & Kelly Kostohryz

Perfect day to support the Cliburn

Van Fan at Play

She showed them how it’s done!

Winners’ Spoils

logo ever!

Photos: Richard Rodriguez

HOMECOMING CONCERT - OCT 2023

a showcase celebration of the CLIBURN’S LAST DECADE

Homecoming artists: Greg Anderson, Elizabeth Joy Roe, Vadym Kholodenko, Daniel Hsu, Dmytro Choni, Fei-Fei, Angela Cheng, Seokyoung Hong, Jonathan Beyer, Thomas Yu, Gabriel Kahane, Joshua Roman

Medalists Dmytro Choni, Daniel Hsu, and Vadym Kholodenko performing together to close the concert

Hosts Elizabeth Joy Roe & Greg Anderson

Beautiful concert setting at TX Whiskey Ranch

President and CEO Jacques Marquis welcoming at the Homecoming Concert

Joshua Roman

Photos: Ralph Lauer

FALL 2023 IN PHOTOS continued

DOCUMENTARY PREMIERE - OCT 2023

President and CEO Jacques Marquis welcomes attendees to the premiere of Crescendo at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU.

Film premiere of the 2022 documentary

Attendees pose on the red carpet

Cliburn Board Chairman Jeff King and wife Sally with 2022 Finalist Clayton Stephenson

Photos: Ralph Lauer

Red carpet welcome

Q&A session with film producers and finalist Clayton Stephenson

2022 Silver Medalist Anna Geniushene in her Cliburn Concerts debut at the Kimbell Art Museum Piano Pavilion.

Bustling lobby of Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU

FALL 2023 IN PHOTOS continued

FEI-FEI IN FORT WORTH - NOV/DEC 2023

Fei-Fei performing at the Cliburn 180º Holiday Party

Cliburn 180º Holiday Party hosts Molly and Pete Van Amburgh

Fei-Fei performing and speaking at the Young Women’s Leadership Academy

Tomorrow’s leaders!

Fei-Fei in a special Pop-Up Concert at The Post at River East

Fei-Fei at the Keyboard Circle Event at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Photo: Leo Wesson

Photo: Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Photo: Leo Wesson

Over the Cliburn’s 60-year history, some of the most renowned and beloved classical music artists in the world have grown to love Fort Worth as a home away from home. From competitors to prolific composers to world-class touring performers across instruments, they make up an extraordinary, supportive, and dynamic network that is lovingly referred to as the Cliburn Family. This spring, we bring back a collection of these artists, in a joyful celebration of the people, projects, and programs that have helped define the Cliburn’s spirit and impact. We hope you’ll join us this spring!

GABRIELA MONTERO piano

THURSDAY

APRIL 25, 2024

7:30 p.m.

Kimbell Art Museum

Piano Pavillion

cello cello

THURSDAY

MARCH 21, 2024

7:30 p.m.

Kimbell Art Museum

Piano Pavilion

ANDERSON & ROE piano duo

THURSDAY

MAY 9, 2024

7:30 p.m.

Kimbell Art Museum

Piano Pavillion

FRIDAY MAY 10, 2024 8:00 p.m.

Cliburn Sessions

Venue TBA

FRIDAY

APRIL 26, 2024

8:00 p.m.

Cliburn Sessions

Venue TBA

PLEASE JOIN US

FRIDAY, APRIL 5, 2024

7:30 PM

THE FORT WORTH CLUB

GALA CHAIRMEN

Gaylord & P. Bradley Lummis

HONORARY CHAIRMEN

Priscilla Martin

Charles W. White

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT CLIBURN.ORG/GALA

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Larry E. Boerder Architects/ Pencil Point Construction

The Cliburn’s innovative and expanding programming is only possible because of the support of patrons, foundations, and businesses that share the passion for art and inspiration. Last year, Larry E. Boerder Architects / Pencil Point Construction joined the Cliburn Family as a corporate sponsors for the first time, supporting the Final Round of the Third Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival. Their experience of the mission and brand alignment led them to underwrite the special Homecoming Concert + Party last October at TX Whiskey Ranch, and they have already committed to a partnership for the 2025 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition! We caught up with their team so that we could share more about this burgeoning relationship.

CLIBURN: Tell us about Larry E. Boerder Architects / Pencil Point Construction’s history in Dallas/Fort Worth. What are you most proud of?

BOERDER: The Architecture side of our business has a long history in both Dallas and Fort Worth, having at this point designed and remodeled well over 300 houses. For the last ten years, we have also established a construction company so that our artistic and creative vision remains at the forefront, throughout not only the design, but also the build. Our ambition is always to create homes that are enduring, that belong in the neighborhood. When older residents are absolutely convinced that a house we designed 10 or 15 years ago has existed since their childhood, it’s a real point of pride for us.

CLIBURN: What is your sponsorship philosophy, and how does the Cliburn match those goals?

BOERDER: We see the homes we design and build as intergenerational, created to be enjoyed not only by their current residents but hopefully many more in the future. One of the things that drew us to the Cliburn is their guardianship of a musical tradition, not only preserving, but actively developing classical music among the next generation. Similarly, the Cliburn’s mission to make classical piano music relevant to the modern age reflects our desire to create houses and buildings that are traditional in form, but timeless in design and function. In this regard the Cliburn’s values are absolutely in line with our own, something we actively seek in the sponsorship partnerships that we select.

CLIBURN: How is your relationship with the Cliburn beneficial to your brand?

BOERDER: Patrons of the Cliburn share a passion for culture, artistry, and excellence. These are values that we aim to embody in all the work

that we do. Accordingly, we see the Cliburn’s benefactors, supporters, and audience as individuals who are naturally sympathetic to our belief in harmonious design, historical integrity, and high-quality construction.

CLIBURN: Why might the Cliburn be an important partner for you, in the future?

BOERDER: Larry Boerder has been a passionate organist and pianist for almost all of his life. To this end, in all major projects we undertake, Boerder will always personally oversee the design to ensure that the house has an appropriate space for a grand piano. Through our support of the Cliburn, Boerder is able to blend his professional and personal passions, while at the same time strengthening our ties to Fort Worth—a city whose sense of tradition and understated elegance we believe to be a perfect setting for our work.

CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

CLIBURN

CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

Since 2001, Cliburn in the Classroom presents FREE interactive concert experiences designed specifically for elementary audiences. We bring our own Steinway baby grand piano into every school, along with a virtuoso pianist to perform impressive music. A teaching artist leads students through activities and bridges connections between the music and theme of the program—in an approachable and engaging way. The hosts cater to multiple learning styles, utilize movement and peer-building activities, and address social-emotional learning competencies.

THE CLASSROOM

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

With Cliburn in the Classroom, instructional time is enhanced, not lost. Our interdisciplinary themes explore the intersection of music and multiple subjects, including math, reading, language arts, social studies, history, and art. When combined with our curriculum guides, they address state and national standards for STEAM education for students in the second through fourth grades. Our programs allow for an inclusive environment by incorporating adaptive strategies and offering programs in both English and Spanish.

CLIBURN IN THE CLASSROOM

FREE

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

DIZZY

DIZZY

DIZZY FINGERS

Ragtime’s influence

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

2023–2024 PROGRAMS

OFFERED IN

FREE INTERACTIVE CONCERT EXPERIENCES DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY FOR ELEMENTARY AUDIENCES.

OVERVIEW

DIZZY FINGERS

DIZZY FINGERS

OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

DIZZY FINGERS

DIZZY FINGERS

OFFERED IN

OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

PET PARADE

2023–2024 PROGRAMS OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

PET PARADE

PET PARADE

Ragtime’s influence on American culture

for elementary audiences. piano into every school,

PET PARADE Ragtime’s

Ragtime’s influence on American culture

OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

between the music and theme of the program.

LAUGH

LAUGH

LAUGH

LAUGH OUT LOUD TEXAN, LIKE ME!

LAUGH OUT LOUD TEXAN, LIKE

TEXAN, LIKE ME!

Our favorite animals set to music Playoff at the Piano A musical tour of the Lone Star State Finding the funny in whimsical songs

Ragtime’s influence on American culture Our favorite animals set to music Playoff at the Piano A musical tour of the Lone Star State Finding the funny in whimsical songs

LAUGH OUT LOUD

Our favorite animals set to music A musical tour of the Lone Star State Finding the funny in whimsical songs

LAUGH OUT LOUD

Our favorite animals set to music A musical tour of the Lone Star State Finding the funny in whimsical songs

EDUCATION

EDUCATION IMPACT

EDUCATION IMPACT

IMPACT

utilize movement and peer-building activities, and address learning competencies.

• PRESENTING 300 PROGRAMS A YEAR

• PRESENTING 300 PROGRAMS A YEAR

• PRESENTING 300 PROGRAMS A YEAR

• PRESENTING 300 PROGRAMS A YEAR

• ALL PROGRAMS OFFERED IN

• ALL PROGRAMS OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

• ALL PROGRAMS OFFERED IN

• ALL PROGRAMS OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

• SERVING 250 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• SERVING 250 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• SERVING 250 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• SERVING 250 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• IN

• IN

• IN

• IN

• ENGAGING 60,000 STUDENTS

• ENGAGING 60,000 STUDENTS

• ENGAGING 60,000 STUDENTS

• ENGAGING 60,000 STUDENTS

• PRESENTING 300 PRESENTATIONS A YEAR

• PROVIDED AT

• PROVIDED AT

Cliburn in the Classroom engages professional musicians 300 programs a year of the concert hall and introduce it to kids in a fun and relatable setting.

• PROVIDED AT NO COST TO SCHOOLS & DISTRICTS

• ALL PROGRAMS OFFERED IN SPANISH & ENGLISH

• SERVING 250 ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

• IN 11 NORTH TEXAS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICTS

• ENGAGING 60,000 STUDENTS

LEARN MORE AT CLIBURN.ORG/EDUCATION

• PROVIDED AT NO COST TO SCHOOLS & DISTRICTS

combined with our curriculum guides standards for STEAM education

American culture Our favorite animals

to music A Fantasy Football-style Playoff

Piano A musical tour of the Lone Star State Finding the funny in whimsical songs

FROM THE CHAIRMAN

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

As we all hit the ground running into 2024, let’s take a minute and reflect on the wonders of the last half of 2023.

The Third Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition this past June was a home run once again. As Jacques said to me during a break, “they just keep getting younger and younger and better and better!” Deepest gratitude to our patrons, sponsors, and volunteers, and to our hosts, the Meadows School at SMU and the Meyerson Symphony Center. We’ll be back!

Our second Cliburn Classic Golf Tournament at River Crest Country Club was a successful fundraiser and a lot of fun. Special thanks to our sponsors and to our tournament co-chairmen, Rebecca and Reese Hillard, and Morgan and Kelly Kostohryz, as well as honorary chairmen Mary Ralph Lowe and Charlie Flanders.

On a perfect October evening, we celebrated Jacques Marquis’ 10th anniversary as our CEO by welcoming some of our favorite Cliburn laureates, finalists, and Cliburn Concerts performers back to Fort Worth for our Homecoming Concert at Whiskey Ranch. What a magical evening—we have to do that again!

The very next week, we celebrated the U.S. premiere of Crescendo at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU, red carpet and all! This documentary of the unparalleled 2022 competition is a wonder, and we can’t wait to expand its audience around the world. Put this one on your movie radar. Amazing.

And I’m still basking in the glow of the Keyboard Circle Holiday Concert at the Amon Carter Museum, featuring our own Fei-Fei playing some of her favorite pieces. What a jewel she is. We love our partnership with Andrew Walker and the Carter, and we always look forward to what has become a holiday tradition.

There are so many reasons to be grateful. Cliburn in the Classroom is back up to speed, bringing free, bilingual educational presentations to elementary school kids across North Texas. We look forward to “Italy,” our Classically Cliburn Gala at the Fort Worth Club this coming April. To Jacques and his staff, we say Bravo! and thank you for another year well-played. Deepest appreciation to all our partners, our patrons, our sponsors, and our audiences.

It is the mission of the Cliburn to advance classical piano music across the world, and we are all so fortunate to be a part of this extraordinary experience.

Blessings to you and yours and happy 2024!

Jeff King Chairman of the Board

It is the mission of the Cliburn to advance classical piano music across the world, and we are all so fortunate to be a part of this extraordinary experience.