The Sixteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition took place in Fort Worth, Texas, USA from June 2 to 18, 2022 with 30 competitors from 14 countries. It was postponed one year from its regular quadrennial cycle in 2021 due to Covid-19. The edition's theme was "The World is Listening" and celebrated 60 years since its founding in 1962.[1]
In light of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, The Cliburn faced pressure to ban Russian participants from the competition but ultimately chose to allow them; however, they also warned competitors that statements in support of the invasion or Russian president Vladimir Putin could result in disqualification.[2] Two Russian competitors (Anna Geniushene and Ilya Shmukler) and the sole Ukrainian competitor (Dmytro Choni) reached the final round.
Eighteen-year-old Yunchan Lim of South Korea won the competition and gold medal. He became the second South Korean to win the competition, after Yekwon Sunwoo in the previous competition in 2017. Anna Geniushene, 31, of Russia won the silver medal, and Dmytro Choni, 28, of Ukraine won the bronze medal.
Seventy-two applicants accepted for a screening audition chosen from 388 total applicants from 51 countries were required to give a 25-minute recital before a live audience and the Screening Jury. Unlike the previous competition, which also had screening auditions in New York City, Asia, and Europe, this competition's screening auditions were solely in Fort Worth.
Thirty competitors from 14 countries, selected solely on their artistry and announced on March 30, 2022, performed a 40-minute recital, which included the commissioned work, Fanfare Toccata, of 4–6 minutes by Stephen Hough.[3]
