The Van Cliburn Foundation has released a statement in remembrance of the great American pianist who died today at age 78, at home in Texas.
It is with great sadness that Carla Kemp Thompson, chairman of the Van Cliburn Foundation, acknowledges the death of Van Cliburn. Mr. Cliburn died peacefully in his home in Fort Worth, Texas, surrounded by loved ones, on February 27, 2013.The cause of death was bone cancer. Van Cliburn was 78 years old (born July 12, 1934, in Shreveport, Louisiana - died February 27, 2013, in Fort Worth, Texas). He is survived by his friend of long standing, Thomas L. Smith.
Said Thompson: "Van was a treasured member of the Fort Worth community who belonged to the world. His legacy is one of being a great humanitarian, a great musician, a great colleague, and a great friend to all who knew and loved him. Van is iconic, and we at the Van Cliburn Foundation join the international community in mourning the loss of a true giant."
The Fourteenth Van Cliburn International Piano, taking place May 24-June 9, 2013, at Fort Worth's Bass Performance Hall, is dedicated to the memory of Van Cliburn.