The 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition runs through June 7. The Fort Worth Report will provide in-depth coverage of the competition. Follow the score here.
When Jonathan Mamora, 30, walked up to the Steinway grand piano and played the first note of Önaç’s “Monody Dance,” “Carnival,” “Toll” and “Pent Up” from Five Etudes, all the nervous feelings left his body.
Over the next 38 minutes, he played from his heart — the audience watched in awe.
For Mamora, this was his one chance to make an impression on a panel of expert jurors during the preliminary round at the 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth. His work paid off.
Mamora was one of 18 pianists announced to be advancing to the quarterfinal round of the Cliburn competition.
“I’m still processing it, but like, what an honor,” he said after the May 23 announcement. “I’ve dreamt of being a part of this competition for such a long time, even when I was a kid. I’m 30 now, and so this is like the only chance I get at it.”
The Cliburn, established in Fort Worth in 1962, is held every four years and considered one of the most prestigious classical music competitions in the world.
The advancing pianists range in age from 22 to 30 and span over 10 countries, including those with dual representation. China is the most represented with five, while the U.S. follows with four competitors.
Here are the pianists advancing to the next round:
Shangru Du, China, 27
Xiaofu Ju, China, 25
Carter Johnson, Canada/United States, 28
David Khrikuli, Georgia, 24
Aristo Sham, Hong Kong, China, 29
Angel Stanislav Wang, United States, 22
Philipp Lynov, Russia, 26
Jonas Aumiller, Germany, 26
Mikhail Kambarov, Russia, 24
Piotr Alexewicz, Poland, 25
Alice Burla, Canada, 28
Yanjun Chen, China, 23
Jonathan Mamora, United States, 30
Evren Ozel, United States, 26
Chaeyoung Park, South Korea, 27
Elia Cecino, Italy, 23
Yangrui Cai, China, 24
Vitaly Starikov, Israel/Russia, 30
The preliminary round kicked off May 21 at Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU with 28 of the world’s best young pianists after two withdrew from the competition, citing health reasons.
The competitors each performed a 40-minute recital that included four to six minutes of commissioned work composed by Venezuelan pianist Gabriela Montero. She is also serving on this year’s jury.
The performance order was determined when competitors were randomly drawn out of a chalice at the Cliburn opening dinner May 19.
Fort Worthian Donald Hayward had a “marvelous” experience watching the final two recitals from competitors Yangrui Cai and Vitaly Starikov during the preliminary round May 23. He was wowed by the musical selections and glad to see the two pianists advancing.
“It’s really nice to be able to come out and see the performers here, because we get some great talent coming in,” he said after the final preliminary recital.
The quarterfinal round kicks off Saturday afternoon before coming to an end Sunday night. Only 12 pianists will advance to the semifinal round at Bass Performance Hall in downtown Fort Worth set for May 28-June 1.
The three pianists that medal will have their careers managed through the Cliburn for three years, including a range of services from booking concerts to mentorship and media training. A total of $265,000 in cash will be awarded, including $100,000 for the gold medalist, $50,000 for the silver medalist and $25,000 for the bronze medalist. The Cliburn will announce medalists June 7.
Breakdown of the remaining 17th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition:
May 24-25: Quarterfinal round where 18 competitors perform a 40-minute recital
May 28-June 1: Semifinal round where 12 competitors perform in two phases:
60-minute recital
A Mozart concerto with Mexican conductor Carlos Miguel Prieto and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
June 3-7: Final round where six competitors perform two concertos with American conductor Marin Alsop and the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra
June 7: Awards ceremony and announcement of gold, silver and bronze medalists at Bass Performance Hall
David Moreno is the arts and culture reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at [email protected] or @davidmreports.
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