2017 Remembering Van Cliburn

Remembering Pianist Van Cliburn

b. July 12, 1934 - d. February 27, 2013

Van Cliburn was a great American pianist, and protege of famed Russian/American teacher Mme, Rosina Lhevinne (1880-1976). In 1958 at the age of 23 during the heat of the Cold War, Cliburn won the Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow. He returned to the United States as a national hero and was given a Ticker tape parade in NYC.

Photo above: In 1976 a then young piano student Rick Seifert (Mr. Seifert with hair) meets the musical giant after his concerto performance at the Interlochen Arts Camp, MI.  We spoke for a few moments as Van was acquainted with my then teacher Dr. Samuel Hsu, (both were students of Mme, Lhevinne). 

The digital library of Cliburn recordings available today is an American musical legacy of pianist excellence.