Obituary - The Legacy of Van Cliburn Lives

The death of pianist Van Cliburn today underscores a legacy that will set example and live on in pianistic grandeur.
The INTERNATIONAL TCHAIKOVSKY COMPETITION in Russia brought Van Cliburn's path and my path together, as first pianist and first vocalist in history to win the GOLD MEDAL in piano and in voice, in that historical competition, even though we did not win the same year.
The importance of winning the GOLD MEDAL in this enormously prestigious competition, during the Cold War between the US and the USSR, not only added spectacular importance our individual professional abilities and paths, but made history between the US and RUSSIA.
Van Cliburn's predestined DNA and talent for the great Russian Repertoire celebrated a towering insight and passionately sovereign technical ability and sensitivity, which cannot help but continue to live in splendor!