The new Van Cliburn Competition was promoted through the application brochure, in part, and also through this two-page flyer, "Here's What They're Saying About Fort Worth," circa 1961.
Below the flyer is a draft news release, "Fort Worth will be the musical capital of the world...," showing the proposed competition events schedule.
Grace Lankford secured the presence of eminent music critic Paul Hume for commentary during the first Van Cliburn Competition. In a letter dated May 9, 1962, months prior to the competition, Hume praises Lankford's efforts and expresses excitement about reviewing what he plainly considered to be a momentous event. (In the last section of this exhibit, "wrap-up," is Hume's final, glowing write-up of the first Cliburn for the Saturday Review, mirrored in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.) |
In 1981 Catherine Lankford Haden talked about her mother's role in establishing the Cliburn Competition. Articles from 1962 and 1985 (Korth..., below) shed further light on the process. |
Hospitality was an important part of the Cliburn Competition from the beginning. As part of arrangements in 1962 forms were circulated among contestants to ascertain their interest in various events. A list of contestants by country was tied to host assignments, reflected in a press article. Social activities were described in a "Contestants" companion article.
More detailed contestant information was presented in an insert for the competition program.