The Cliburn: 50 Years of Gold

Van Cliburn performing in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory during the First Tchaikovsky International Competition in 1958. 

Follow the 50-year history of the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Every four years, a group of the world’s finest young pianists take the stage at the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. Amid the drama, beauty, nerves and excitement, they know one thing is true — the outcome there can change their lives. Through the eyes and memories of 15 gold medalists, this program follows the 50-year history of one of the world’s most prestigious music competitions. The retrospective includes historic footage and interviews with Van Cliburn. The Cliburn: 50 Years of Gold airs Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 2 p.m. on WXXI-TV/HD (DT21.1/cable 11 and 1011).