The Cliburn has announced that the sixteenth edition of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will not be held, as planned in May 2021 but in June 2022 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA. The organization cites implications of the global pandemic, including social distancing, international travel, winners’ touring, and planning uncertainty.
“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,” said Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO. “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.”
