The current global pandemic has forced the competition to postpone a year for the first time in its 60-year history
The Cliburn has announced that the sixteenth edition of its flagship Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will now be held June 2–18, 2022, at Bass Performance Hall and Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU, in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. The Competition was previously slated for May 27–June 12, 2021.
The Cliburn cites four reasons for the postponement:
- Social distancing and safety protocol issues,
- Difficulties with international travel for both participants and audience
- Winners’ touring – The primary goal of the Competition is the launch of careers. Doing so at a time when concert tours have been suspended is not in the best interest of the new winners
- Complexities surrounding the planning of the competition
Cliburn president and CEO Jacques Marquis comments, “The Cliburn Competition is a once-every-four-years opportunity for us to showcase exceptional artists to the world, to bring the international classical music community together in Fort Worth, to create a singular event for our hometown, and, in the end, to launch careers.
It’s become clear in recent months that the continuing effects of the pandemic will prevent us from producing an event at the level and with the impact that our patrons, our supporters, and—most importantly—our competitors deserve.
Now, with a clear path forward, we can plan a Competition that will achieve new heights and be a fitting celebration of international strength and unity after such challenging times.”
Find out more about the postponement here.
Main image: © The Cliburn