Cliburn Honorary Chair at Moscow Contest He Won

FORT WORTH (AP) � A renowned classical pianist from Texas is returning to Russia where his 1958 victory at a prestigious competition gained him international fame. Van Cliburn, who grew up in Kilgore, will be an honorary chairman for the piano part of the Tchaikovsky competition in Moscow. The Van Cliburn Foundation on Tuesday announced his trip for the contest ending next week.

Cliburn won the first International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition at the height of the Cold War. He says this is the first time he has returned to the competition, although he’s visited Russia several times through the years.

He’s involved with but doesn’t select winners of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. That competition is held every four years in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, most recently in 2009. Prizes include national concert tours for winners.