Fort Worth to name street for Van Cliburn

by PegNews wire

Cliburn pounding the keys as only he knows how.

Van Cliburn, the world renowned pianist, will be joined by friends, family and city leaders on Thursday, May 21 to officially dedicate a portion of Arch Adams St. as Van Cliburn Way. The stretch of roadway being renamed in the pianist’s honor extends between West 7th St. and Lancaster Ave. Naming a city facility after living individuals is done only in limited circumstances. However, because of Cliburn’s extraordinary contributions to the city of Fort Worth, the City Council voted to approve the name change May 12.

Cliburn’s victory in the first International Tchaikovsky Competition held in Moscow at the height of the Cold War made him an instant American hero. Since then, he has served as an ambassador of American culture. Cliburn has made Fort Worth his home for many years and the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition held here every four years brings world class pianists and notoriety to the city. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Van Cliburn Foundation Competition.

Cliburn will be joined by Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, Fort Worth Councilmember Carter Burdette and others for a brief presentation for the official renaming. The ceremony will be followed by a parade led by Paschal High School Drum Line, directed by the Fort Worth ISD’s Director of Instrumental Music Christine Walk. The parade will end at Eddie V’s Restaurant, 3120 W 7th St.

Source: City of Fort Worth