Betty Dillard
Pianist Van Cliburn, Fort Worth’s ambassador to the world, will be honored in an international memorial concert on the one-year anniversary of his death.
The Van Cliburn Memorial Concert, sponsored by the Van Cliburn Foundation, is set for Feb. 27 from 5 to 8:30 p.m. in the new Sundance Square Plaza in downtown Fort Worth.
The concert will be free and open to the public as well as streamed live online at Cliburn.org.
Eight past Cliburn award winners are scheduled to perform, including Alexander Kobrin, 2005 gold medalist; Simone Pedroni, 1993 gold medalist; Jose Feghali, 1985 gold medalist; Antonio Pompa-Baldi, 2001 silver medalist; Yakov Kasman, 1997 silver medalist; Alexey Koltakov, 2001 finalist; and Steven Lin, 2013 jury discretionary award winner.
Cliburn died of cancer at his home in Fort Worth on Feb. 27, 2013, at the age of 78.
In 1958, the acclaimed pianist captured the top prize in the First International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, gaining worldwide recognition for himself and Fort Worth. Cliburn’s legacy continues with the piano competition that bears his name and with his many other local interests.
“Van was a member of the Fort Worth community who belonged to the world,” said Carla Thompson, chairman of the Cliburn Foundation board. “The Cliburn board of directors is hosting this event to celebrate his incomparable life and indelible spirit, not only for those attending the concert in person, but for all of his admirers and friends around the globe. Anyone can join us online for the live streaming – a true international memorial.”