Van Cliburn lived in Fort Worth from 1978 until 2013. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Today is the 10-year anniversary of Van Cliburn’s death, so we’re looking back at the musician’s life and his contribution to Cowtown.
The early days
Born in Shreveport in 1934, Harvey Lavan “Van” Cliburn, Jr. started taking piano lessons from his mother, Rildia Bee O’Bryan Cliburn, when he was three years old.
The prodigy made his debut at the Houston Symphony in 1947, performed at Carnegie Hall in 1949, and graduated from the Juilliard School of Music in 1954.
The big break
In 1958, 23-year-old Cliburn entered the International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. He won the hearts of the audience and judges, who asked permission from Cold War Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev before awarding the prize to an American. His performance of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1 launched him to international fame (you can listen to the recording online).
Van Cliburn trying on a Shady Oaks hat from Amon Carter in 1958. | Photo courtesy of UTA Libraries.
A life of firsts
Upon returning from Moscow, Cliburn became the first musician to be honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City. He received the first Grammy Award for classical music in 1959 and created the first classical album to go triple platinum.
In addition to his many awards and accolades — including a 2003 Presidential Medal of Freedom — Cliburn performed for every US president from 1958 until his death in 2013.
Today, The Cliburn isheld every four years to support the careers of emerging artists. The foundation presents 170+ performances in each competition cycle for over 150,000 attendees and brings music education to 200,000+ local students.
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Brick Builders | Monday, Feb. 27 | 5-6 p.m. | Fort Worth Public Library - Wedgwood, 3816 Kimberly Ln., Fort Worth | Free | Kids (ages 5+) can build anything they imagine with LEGO bricks.
Tuesday, Feb. 28
The Patriot | Tuesday, Feb. 28-Sunday, March 5 | 9 a.m.-6 p.m. | Will Rogers Memorial Center, 3401 W. Lancaster Ave., Fort Worth | Free | Watch a range of equine events for every type of rider — a live stream will also be available.
Wednesday, March 1
Fort Worth Music Fest & Conference | Wednesday, March 1-Saturday, March 4 | Times vary | Stockyards, 131 E. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth | $34-$550 | The inaugural music networking conference for aspiring agents, managers, promoters, and emerging local Texas-based artists, will take place across multiple venues.
Thursday, March 2
Jon Stork | Thursday, March 2 | 8 p.m. | Tulips Fort Worth, 112 St. Louis Ave., Fort Worth | $15-$25 | Enjoy a little pick-me-up with the Americana artist.
Friday, March 3
First Fri-YAY | Friday, March 3 | 12 a.m.-11:59 p.m. | Fort Worth Bike Sharing Stations, Fort Worth | Free | Explore the city on wheels with a free bike rental courtesy of Fort Worth Bike Sharing and Blue Zones Project.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
The Fort Worth Zoo welcomed a new addition last week. The 270-lb, 37-in-tall male elephantwas born to first-time mama Belle and will join his friends Bowie and Brazos. Pull out those baby books and help the zoo name him. 🐘
Cause
The National Juneteenth Museumreceived a donation from Paycom, a human resources software company based in Oklahoma City. The company donated $50,000 to the museum scheduled to open in the Historic Southside in 2025. 💰
Kids
Dream Park, an accessible, all-abilities playground in Trinity Park, is closed for maintenance and cleaning today through Friday, March 3. Check out one of the other parks or inclusive playgrounds around town.
Traffic
According to a new SmartAsset report, DFW has some of the worst daily commutes in the country. Ranked No. 47, the average Cowtown commute is 25.9 minutes. Dallas, Arlington, Garland, Irving, and Plano also made the top 100. 🚗
Watch
Rooftop Cinema Club announced the venue’s spring screenings — featuring classics like “Grease” and “Pulp Fiction” and new films like “Nope” and “The Fabelmans.” Grab tickets for shows through Sunday, April 30. 🎬
Trending
What happens when you give a professional sports team a set of disposable cameras? Texas Rangers players got a hold of some during spring training and the photos are full of homeruns — and the blown out, blurry photos that used to fill photo albums. Check out the snaps. 📸
Read
Who’s joining the Fort Worth Public Library’s Spring Reading Challenge? During the month of March, some special book-loving leaders — like the police chief Neil Noakes, fire chief Jim Davis, and Panther City Lacrosse Club — will be participating. Sign up today. 📚
Shop
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Test your knowledge with our January 2025 news quiz
How closely did you read the newsletter this year? | Graphic by FTWtoday
We hope all the Valentine’s love this month softened your heart, but not your brain. Double check your mental acuity with our February news quiz, featuring trivia questions that we’ve shared this month.
If you are an avid FTWtoday reader and...
🎥 Watch out for upcoming films
🐂 Kept traditions alive at the FWSSR
🌱 Are into fresh new restaurants
…then we’re betting our little test will be a piece of cake. 🍰
Show off your skills by clicking the link below — we’ll give high-scorers a shoutout in an upcoming newsletter.
Editor’s pick: Last week, I hit up the premiere of World of Orchids at Fort Worth Botanic Garden and was blown away by the incredible colors and shapes of the orchids. Head to the Rainforest Conservatory before Sunday, April 9 to check it out.
I also wanna give a quick shoutout to Jarocho harpistGonzalo Mata, who performed at the exhibit opening. Your music was a delight to hear.
Editorial:Rebecca McRobbie, Kate Mazade, Britt Thorson, Emily Shea, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Dayten Rose, Sarah Leonhardt, Katie Smith | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
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