The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will no longer be taking place in 2021.
The Cliburn announced Tuesday that the sixteenth edition of its signature event has been rescheduled to June 2 – 18, 2022, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition was previous scheduled for May 27 – June 12, 2021.
The 2022 performances will take place at Bass Performance Hall and Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU.
“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,” Jacques Marquis, Cliburn president and CEO, said in a statement. “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.”
The Cliburn cited multiple reasons for the decision to postpone, from complications associated with competitors traveling internationally to the impact of an in-person audience.
According to The Cliburn, "the vibrancy of the Cliburn Competition is built around the energy of the audience. Though the Cliburn is a leader in classical music webcasting, the in-person atmosphere is an element that also sets it apart; the competitors remember the warmth of patrons in Fort Worth for many years after. The health of the patrons is of utmost importance, and postponing will offer the opportunity to safely gather."
Dates for Cliburn events are now as follows:
- Oct. 14, 2021: Application submission deadline
- March 6 – 12, 2022: Screening auditions
- March 30, 2022: Announcement of competitors to the public
- June 2, 2022: Competition begins
- June 18, 2022: Awards ceremony
- Fall 2022: Cliburn International Amateur Piano Competition
- June 2023: Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival
Ticket information is available on The Cliburn's website.
