Grand Junction Remembers Legendary Pianist Van Cliburn

Grand Junction musicians are saddened by the loss of not only an extraordinary musician, but a true American hero, with the death of Van Cliburn.

Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr., took the world by storm in 1958, at the young age of 23,  when he won the first quadrennial International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow. Van Cliburn's win at the competition was a remarkable bit of irony considering the competition's purpose was to demonstrate Soviet cultural superiority during the Cold War.

Enter Van Cliburn, an American, who earned a standing ovation lasting eight minutes. When it came time to announce the winner, Nakita Khruschev asked the judges "Is he the best?" "Then give him the prize."

Returning home from the competition, Cliburn received a ticker-tape parade in New York City, the only time such an honor has been bestowed upon a Classical musician. Time magazine's headline read "The Texan Who Conquered Russia."

Here in Grand Junction, Colorado, a long way from Moscow, many musicians are saddened by the news of his death on Wednesday. Several took a moment to share their thoughts and reflections on this extraordinary American.

"A great loss to the music world. I grew up with his recordings, which were a huge influence on me as a child. They were a big reason for my lifelong love of Chopin. He will be missed." - Arthur Houle - Director of Piano Studies - Colorado Mesa University

 

"The world has lost one of the greatest pianist that ever lived" - Carlos Elias - Director - Colorado Mesa University Symphony Orchestra

 

"Van Cliburn was an internationally celebrated pianist who will always be remembered for his tremendous performances, accolades, and the manner in which his music effects his listeners. Although he has passed, the force of his music continues. " - Amy Long-Markakis - Pianist - Grand Junction Symphony Orchestra

 

"He was an icon of the era I grew up in. I savor his recordings like everybody else......musicality is innate.....it can be nourished , but not taught." - Dennis Woodrich - Producer/Arranger - Colorado Mesa University