Widely considered “one of the most prestigious contests in classical music” (The New York Times, 2022), 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.
On March 5, 2026, the Lied Center will host a performance by the gold medalist of the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition (May 21–June 7, 2025).
