The Texan Who Conquered Russia
Sometimes we underestimate the power of the individual.
Considering today’s yo-yo relations with the Soviet Union, it’s strange to think that 61 years ago, a fresh-faced boy from America had Russia, for 3 days, in the palm of his hand.
In 1958, Van Cliburn was a 24 year-old piano prodigy from Fort Worth, Texas competing in the first International Tchaikovsky competition. Despite being a gifted musician, Cliburn immediately had three major strikes against him:
1) This was in Russia during the height of the Cold War between the US and Soviet Union.
2) The event was clearly designed to demonstrate Russia’s cultural superiority (they were still thumping their chests having launched Sputnik the year before)
3) The namesake of the piano competition was a legendary Russian hero.
For the few that had ever heard of Van Cliburn, they knew he didn’t stand a chance. But his graceful-yet-dynamic style of playing, combined with his modesty and good nature, was unexpectedly noticed by the Russian people.
They fell in love with him. So much so that his performance at the finale earned him an eight-minute standing ovation.
The judges, after hearing the final performances, found themselves in a dangerous situation. The Russian who was “supposed to win” scored lower than Van Cliburn.
Legend has it that the head judge nervously approached Soviet Prime Minister Nikita Khrushchev, asking what they should do.
“Is he the best?”, asked the Soviet premiere.
“Yes”, the judge stammered.
“Then give him the prize!”, Khrushchev ordered.
Cliburn would return to Russia many more times to collaborate with Russian conductors and musicians. His grace and talent so endeared him to the Russian people, he is actually credited with single-handedly melting a hole in the Iron Curtain.
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It’s empowering to think that individuals, often through the arts, can sometimes achieve things even governments cannot.
“Just bring the people together and the rest will take care of itself”, said President Dwight Eisenhower in 1963. This fundamental concept of citizen diplomacy would lay the ground for programs like Sister Cites International and People To People International.
I’ve noticed that when students travel to a foreign country, they return a different person. They see the world through a different lens. The more they learn, the more they realize that they don’t know. And this sometimes ignites a burning interest in cultural affairs, world travel, or language acquisition that can change the trajectory of their lives.
If you know someone, especially a student, who might benefit from an international experience, check out these organizations below that do great work in our community.
You never know. One day, someone might hold a ticker tape parade in their honor.