When I was a young piano student in Memphis, my mom took me to a Van Cliburn concert. I don’t remember what was played, but always remember the concert with joy, and from that time on, particularly enjoyed his performances on the radio.
In the late sixties I attended Baylor University as a music minor (major undeclared!). One day I was on my way to the music school to practice my flute. As I walked in a side door of the empty auditorium, a young man entered the auditorium from a door on the opposite side. We met in the middle. I recognized him as Van Cliburn and could barely speak! He introduced himself, asked about me, my flute, my major, and whether I was planning to attend the concert that night! Of course I was absolutely thrilled at the conversation and literally ran back to my dorm to tell my story. Didn’t practice that day! I didn’t have a ticket to the concert, but my theory teacher offered me a job handing out programs and said I could take whatever seat was available. I remember exactly where I was sitting, and, of course, the music, Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto #1! I can still picture the whole thing and think of it every single time I play a cd or hear Van Cliburn on the radio .I count it as one of my life’s most wonderful experiences, in large part because of the kindness, thoughtfulness, and warmth of Mr. Cliburn’s greeting! How kind of him to take the time to speak to me!
Congratulations, Mr. Cliburn, on the anniversary of your spectacular award and for such an outstanding career providing beautiful music for us all!
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