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Van Cliburn's Legacy
Van Cliburn's Legacy
The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition was first held in 1962 in Fort Worth in honor of Van Cliburn’s historic win at the Tchaikovsky Competition. The idea for this competition originated with a dedicated group of local music educators and volunteers, including leaders connected to the Fort Worth Piano Teachers Forum, who proposed and supported an international contest to perpetuate Cliburn’s legacy and bring world-class piano performance to Fort Worth. Their efforts helped establish what has since become one of the most prestigious piano competitions in the world, fostering community engagement and elevating Fort Worth’s cultural profile in the global classical music scene.
Fort Worth Proud
Fort Worth Proud
The Fort Worth Piano Teachers Forum played a key role in the founding of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. When Dr. Irl Allison of the National Guild of Piano Teachers proposed creating an international piano competition in Van Cliburn’s honor, he specifically chose Fort Worth because he was impressed by the strength of the Forum and its leader, Mrs. Grace Ward Lankford. Their local leadership and organizational strength helped secure support and partnership with the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce and Texas Christian University, leading to the establishment of the first competition in 1962. The Fort Worth Piano Teachers Forum’s involvement was an important factor in bringing this major international event to Fort Worth and embedding it in the city’s cultural life.
Van Cliburn at the piano
Van Cliburn at the piano during a recital at Will Rogers Memorial Auditorium, sponsored by the Fort Worth Piano Teachers Forum. The event was a benefit for the forum's proposed worldwide contest to be held in Fort Worth in the fall of 1962.
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