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                       Classical Pianist Van Cliburn Dies

   by VOA News

   Internationally celebrated American pianist Van Cliburn, whose triumph
   at a 1958 Moscow competition helped ease Cold War tensions, has died at
   age 78.
   Cliburn died early Wednesday at his Fort Worth, Texas home after a
   battle with bone cancer.
   Only 23 when he competed at the renowned Tchaikovsky Competition in
   Moscow, his win launched a spectacular career that made him the rare
   classical musician to enjoy rock star-like status.
   The win also proved the power of the arts, despite East-West tensions,
   and Cliburn became a hero to music-loving Soviets. He triumphantly
   returned to America in a New York City ticker-tape parade.
   Cliburn spent the rest of his career performing world tours and
   recording numerous albums. In addition, he fostered the careers of
   young artists by creating several scholarship programs and establishing
   the Van Cliburn international music competition.
   Until recently, Cliburn practiced daily and performed limited
   engagements. He made his last public appearance in September at the
   50th anniversary of the prestigious piano competition named for him.
   ''President George W. Bush presented Cliburn with the Presidential
   Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2003.
   In 2004, he received the Order of Friendship of the Russian Federation
   from Russian President Vladimir Putin.
   President Barack Obama presented him with a National Medal of Arts in
   2010.
   .
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/classical-pianist-van-cliburn-dies-at-age-78/1611976.html