Concerts

The Cliburn launched a major new program in 2015—a competition and festival for pianists ages 13 to 17. The First Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival took place June 21–28, 2015, in Fort Worth, Texas, on the campus of TCU. 1997 Cliburn gold medalist Jon Nakamatsu served as jury chairman, and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra performed with each of three finalists under conductor Mei-Ann Chen. Competition performances were open to the public and all were webcast live at Cliburn.org. The 23 exceptional young pianists who competed—selected from an applicant pool of 160—represented 14 nations. “This competition helped us establish relationships with the top international talent at an earlier age,” said Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO. “But, just as important, this was another means for the Cliburn to use its standing and expertise to encourage tomorrow’s great artists. We have provided a valuable forum for them to express themselves and an entrance to the next step of their journeys. The top international jurors, the media and webcast, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, and the festival atmosphere — which included performance experience and professional career advice — all made the Competition and Festival significantly useful for a student who has aspirations of being a professional musician.”

PianoTexas International Academy & Festival, formerly known as the TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute, was founded in 1981 during the Sixth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Throughout the years, this event has evolved into an International Music Festival, renowned for its world-class solo, concerto and chamber music concerts. The International Academy has served as an important and beneficial avenue imparting musical insights and understanding of the professional music world to talented young pianists, while presenting special programs for dedicated teachers and passionate amateurs.  PianoTexas is presented by the School of Music, TCU in collaboration with the Fort Worth Symphony Association.

PianoTexas is truly the place for everyone to come together to celebrate the magic of the piano and its infinite repertoire. The general public is invited to attend all its concerts and master classes and to meet the guest artists.  Its aim is to unite the community through the art of the piano. It matters not whether one is an active performer or passive listener, this Festival truly provides something for everyone in a wonderful atmosphere that truly makes Fort Worth the « Cultural Capital of the Southwest. »