Meet the jury

Piano lovers, it’s that time of the year again: the 2025 Van Cliburn Competition is set to kick off on May 21st and runs through June 7th in Fort Worth, Texas. Since 1962, this prestigious competition has been launching the careers of young pianists with audiences around the globe. Previous winners have gone on to play at some of the world’s most cherished venues with renowned orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic and Orchestre de Paris. Out of 340 applicants, 30 have been chosen to compete in for this year’s title over four thrilling rounds.

This year’s competition features a distinguished jury panel composed of nine international pianists. Serving as the jury chair, British-Irish pianist Paul Lewis has crafted an extensive discography and international renown. Known for his interpretations of Beethoven and Schubert, Lewis is celebrated for his articulate character and imaginative vigor. Also on the jury is Venezuelan-American pianist Gabriela Montero, who was commissioned to write a new piece for all 30 competitors in the preliminary round. Her works have garnered attention for their emotionality and improvisational elements, with this piece being no exception.

The nine jurors are celebrated pianists from all over the world (shown left to right):

• Anne-Marie McDermott (United States)
• Mari Kodama (Japan/United States)
• Lise de la Salle (France)
• Jon Nakamatsu (United States)
• Paul Lewis (Ireland/United Kingdom)
• Wu Han (Chinese Taipei/United States)
• Gabriela Montero (Venezuela/United States)
• Till Fellner (Austria)
• Yevgeny Sudbin (United Kingdom)

The jury's expertise and careful consideration will determine which of the 30 young stars will advance to the next rounds, where they will perform virtuosic solo recitals well-known piano concertos by composers such as Mozart, Schubert, and Ravel.