The 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will take place in Fort Worth from May 21 to June 7, featuring a talented group of competitors vying for the top prize. Four women, Alice Burla, Yanjun Chen, Magdalene Ho, and Chaeyoung Park, will perform during the preliminaries, each showcasing their skills with a 40-minute recital.
The competition comes at a time when only two women have won gold in the Van Cliburn’s history, a notable achievement that highlights the need for more opportunities and support for female pianists. This year’s winner is expected to be one of four strong candidates, including Anastasia Vorotnaya, who withdrew due to health concerns.
The competition also features a unique commissioned work by composer Gabriela Montero, performed by each contestant. Montero, one of the five women serving on this year’s jury, has been instrumental in promoting classical music and supporting emerging artists.
Previous winners of the Van Cliburn include Olga Kern, who won gold in 2001, and Beatrice Rana, who took home the silver in 2013. Director Maggie Estes notes that strong female winners have launched successful careers, highlighting the impact of the competition on launching careers for talented pianists.
The Cliburn also celebrates its commitment to making classical music accessible to audiences. President and CEO Jacques Marquis emphasizes the importance of Van Cliburn’s mission, which is exemplified by Olga Kern’s generous approach to sharing her music with audiences.
This year’s competition also marks a milestone for female conductors in the industry. Marin Alsop, the first woman to head major orchestras in the US, UK, Austria, and South America, will lead the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra during the final round.
According to numbers provided by the Cliburn, women make up around 25-35% of applicants for the competition, which is a relatively small percentage compared to other disciplines like violin. The organization aims to address this disparity by carefully selecting jurors and promoting opportunities for emerging artists.
Source: https://fortworthreport.org/2025/05/19/four-women-are-going-for-gold-at-2025-cliburn