Obama honors pianist Van Cliburn

President Obama on Sunday praised the pianist Van Cliburn, saying that his music had “transcended the challenges of international politics.”

“This week, we mark the passing of Van Cliburn, one of the most talented pianists of the last century and a musical artist of rare distinction,” said Obama in a statement released by the White House. 

“At the young age of 23, Mr. Cliburn swept the world off its feet with his winning performance at the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, and he quickly became a beloved ambassador of American culture around the world – especially in the former Soviet Union,” Obama continued. “His music transcended the challenges of international politics and contributed to an unlikely thaw in Cold War relations.”

Cliburn, whose triumph at the Moscow competition, made him an international celebrity died on Wednesday after battling bone cancer. He was 78.

Obama said he had heard Cliburn play and was touched by his talent. 

“Like every President since Harry Truman, I enjoyed the privilege of hearing Mr. Cliburn play, and I am confident that the enduring beauty of his art will sustain his legendary status for years to come,” said the president.

Cliburn was honored in 2003 by President George W. Bush, who presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and in 2010 when Obama awarded him the National Medal of Arts.

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