Origins & Early Life

Harvey Lavan "Van" Cliburn Jr. (July 12, 1934 – February 27, 2013) was an American pianist. At the age of 23, Cliburn achieved worldwide recognition when in 1958 he won the inaugural International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Cliburn's mother, a piano teacher and an accomplished pianist in her own right, discovered him playing at age three, mimicking one of her students, and arranged for him to start taking lessons.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Cliburn developed a rich, round tone and a singing-voice-like phrasing, having been taught from the start to sing each piece. Cliburn toured domestically and overseas. He played for royalty, heads of state, and every US president from Harry S. Truman to Barack Obama. Harvey Lavan Cliburn Jr.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, the son of Rildia Bee (née O'Bryan) and Harvey Lavan Cliburn Sr. When he was three, he began taking piano lessons from his mother, who had studied under Arthur Friedheim, a pupil of Franz Liszt. When Cliburn was six, his father, who worked in the oil industry, moved the family to Kilgore, Texas. At 12, Cliburn won a statewide piano competition, which led to his debut with the Houston Symphony Orchestra. He graduated from Kilgore...

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1934 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1934
• July 12 (07-12) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 12
• 2013 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2013
• February 27 (02-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 27