Cliburn Competition 2025: Backstage access

Are YOU ready?

The excitement kicks off Wednesday, May 21—and I’ll be right there with you.

Throughout the competition, I’ll serve as your backstage correspondent for the Cliburn’s official webcasts and digital content. You’ll find me in the wings, greeting each pianist as they step offstage and capturing those first reactions—raw, emotional, illuminating. I’ll dive into performance surprises, unpack artistic decisions, and share the most fascinating insights, all while curating highlight reels, vignettes, and bite‑size educational clips.

In short: if you want real, behind‑the‑scenes access to the Cliburn, I’ve got you covered.

Keep an eye on Liz who will be anchoring the main desk alongside Buddy Bray. I’ll join them during jury voting to unpack the drama, discuss repertoire trends, and explore what lies ahead for the competition’s standout artists.

Whether you’re charting your own keyboard journey, following emerging talents, or simply savoring the highest levels of pianistic artistry, the truly incredible Cliburn webcast team will deliver an immersive, front‑row seat.

Backstage Tip: Don’t wait for the finals! Some of the competition’s finest moments emerge in the competition’s preliminary round, when the competitors are freshest and at their most prepared.