The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas is a big deal, ok? It’s been around for like 60 years or something. Back in 1958, a 23-year-old Texas pianist named Van Cliburn went to Moscow for the first International Tchaikovsky Competition. The Soviets thought they’d win, but Cliburn ended up taking the top prize. Like, what a plot twist, right?
After that, Cliburn became a big deal in the classical music world. He was like a rock star, believe it or not. So, he started his own piano competition in Fort Worth every four years since 1962. It’s a big deal, attracting musicians from all over the world. This year, the 17th Van Cliburn Competition will feature 29 competitors from 17 countries, all trying to be the best pianist out there.
The competition runs from May 21 to June 7, with performances at the Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU and the Bass Performance Hall in Downtown Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. The City of Fort Worth is going all out, hosting celebrations and free concert watch parties. And guess what? You can catch all the action live on WFAA+! Just download the app and start watching, no cost involved. Happy viewing, folks!
