HISTORY SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1981during the Sixth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, the TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute has served as an important and beneficial avenue to impart knowledge of the professional music world to serious piano students and teachers. A cooperative educational venture between TCU's School of Music and the Van Cliburn Foundation, the Institute has endeavored to bridge the gap between professionals and amateurs, the world of concertizing and the halls of academia. Initially presented in conjunction with the Quadrennial Cliburn Competition, since 1990 the Institute has evolved into an annual event presenting three distinct programs:

Tamás Ungár Founder and Executive Director

The Young Artists Program (formerly the Performers Program) invites selected talented young pianists to study and experience the art of performing and to learn about the profession. Of special interest is the collaboration with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra that provides opportunities for

Chu-fang Huang with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, 2003

six young artists to perform a complete concerto. Leading up to this performance is a procedure of selectionprocess in the form of competition, coaching by faculty, working with conductors and a rehearsal with the orchestra. In 2004, a chamber music component will be included with professional string players. Together with three master class performance and weekly private lessons each participant has ample opportunity to develop their skills. The community is invited to all the concerts creating a festive ambiance. Altogether the Institute presents two Concerto Concerts, six recitals promoted under Master Artists Series given by the eminent faculty, and twelve concerts performed by the Young Artists utilizing both performance halls at TCU, the Fort Worth Public Library, the Modern Art Museum and several Retirement Homes.

Since 1992 the Teachers Program has evolved from presentation of lecture-demonstration by well-known artist/teachers to encouraging teachers to participate in a "hands on" experience of playing the piano. The Institute has created for private piano teachers, both active and observer status, the opportunities for recitals, master classes, private lessons, lectures, and teaching demonstrations. Each year an eminent teacher who is well known and respected in the teaching profession is featured. The Institute is a true pioneer in this area and will pursue the possibility of further broadening the opportunities for teachers to perform.

Marvin Blickerstaff, Guest Artists, 2003

The Amateurs Program was initiated in 1996 for non-professional pianists who love music passionately while maintaining their livelihood through other professions. It provides a unique venue to improve their

Peggy King and Quartet, 2004

skills as well as offers much needed opportunities for performance. Indeed, this program initiated the opportunity for selected Amateurs to perform with a professional orchestra, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, which has not been duplicated anywhere in the world. We have a loyal following of music lovers who take their annual vacation time during the Institute. Each year the solo repertoire is extended by alternating concerto and chamber music works. Together with recitals, master classes, and private lessons the Program is both stimulating and fun and provides artistic and personal development that brings out the best potential in each participant.

The TCU/Cliburn Piano Institute is truly a place where everyone gathers to celebrate the magic of the piano and its infinite repertoire. We have created a Festival atmosphere that truly makes the month of June and Fort Worth the time and place for the piano to reign.