Cliburn Young Professionals Is Bringing a New Generation Into Fort Worth’s Classical Music Scene

Formerly Cliburn 180, The Rebranded Organization Features Expanded Programming

By Edward Brown // Sep 28, 2026

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Pianist Anna Geniushene, a past competition Silver Medalist, entertains young professionals. (Courtesy of the Cliburn)

While classical piano pieces and concertos remain immortalized as enduring works of art, the organizations that preserve and support them must continually evolve. Fort Worth has no better example of that imperative than the Cliburn, which presents world-class concerts and competitions while booking smaller venues throughout the community to showcase progressive chamber music groups and soloists who appeal to younger audiences.

Soon after Molly Roberts moved to Fort Worth with her husband, Ryan, she began looking for social groups to make good friends. She settled on the Cliburn 180, a 17-year-old young professionals group that was initially founded to connect visiting competitors with locals who were also in their 20s and 30s.

Cliburn Young Professionals — In past years, Cliburn 180 memberships afforded the opportunity to attend three events per year, with some held at private estates. (Courtesy of the Cliburn)

“I’ve always had a passion for the performing arts,” Molly tells PaperCity. “I feel like it’s a really welcoming and friendly community of people. The musician aspect of it is so rewarding — to be so close and intimate with some of these world-renowned performers and get to hear from them about their backgrounds in a less formal, one-on-one kind of setting. You walk away feeling so fulfilled.”

In past years, Cliburn 180 memberships afforded the opportunity to attend three events per year, with some held at private estates. The group, open to members in their 20s and 30s, recently rebranded as Cliburn Young Professionals. This season marks the debut of the revamped program, which includes additional programming tied to the Cliburn concert series.

Michelle Marlow, chairman of the board at the Cliburn, says the young professionals group provides programming and socializing aimed at helping members “fall in love with the Cliburn” while cultivating an appreciation for classical music and the organization’s mission.

A Rebranding, New Programming, and a Renewed Commitment to Fostering Classical Music Supporters

Seated around the Cliburn’s central conference room, Garrett Owen, who oversees communications, caught me up on the history of the young professionals group. He shared a photo of Van Cliburn, who died in 2013, standing with the first class of Cliburn young professionals.

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“One of the initial events for the Cliburn 180s was having dinner at Van Cliburn’s house with Van Cliburn. For the 2009 competition, they were looking for ways to engage competitors outside of the competition with people around their same age showing them around Fort Worth.”

Earlier this year, the Cliburn team began asking their young professional members what changes they wanted to see. The main feedback was that three events were not enough to maintain the connections members made. Owen says the renaming was simply a practical matter: People didn’t automatically connect “Cliburn 180” with a young professionals group.

“I think the new programming allows for more flexibility and variety,” she says. “The increased number of events will help create more connections.”

This year’s program is anchored by three main events, with one in October, December, and April, plus four all-new additions tied to the Cliburn’s concert series. When Cliburn Young Professionals members, for example, attend Bridget Kibbey’s Bach to Brazil on November 4, they will have their own seating area and half-price tickets.

From Young Professionals to Lifelong Cliburn Supporters

When Cliburn staff came to Marlow with the idea of rebranding the Cliburn 180 and expanding its programming, she immediately loved the idea.

Any successful arts organization requires supporters, attendees, and donors, and the Cliburn Young Professionals offers an “entry point” for young adults who are passionate about the arts to learn more about the Cliburn in a fun, social setting. Membership in the group can be a first step that eventually leads to board positions and other important roles within the broader Cliburn organization.

Molly, who has lived in Philadelphia, New York, and other large cities, says the Cliburn has been uniquely accessible for a performing arts organization with a global reach. She credits that to the Cliburn’s president and CEO, Jacques Marquis, who she says treats everything with such “care and intentionality.”

The Cliburn’s reach and influence continue to grow. The nonprofit recently announced the creation of the Cliburn International Competition for Conductors, the first major international conducting competition in North America, which is set to launch in Houston in June 2028.

“This was supposed to be a down year for the Cliburn, and I feel like we are just growing and growing,” Marlow says. “I see so much excitement and generosity for the arts in Fort Worth. People see the beauty of what the Cliburn brings our city and our world.”

Every decision the Cliburn board makes begins with one question, she says.

“Would Van Cliburn like this? Would he appreciate this? Would he smile? If we get that feeling, then we know we’re honoring his legacy.”