FORT WORTH (AP) -Thirty contestants from 12 countries will compete in the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth.

The competition that’s held every four years will take place May 24 through June 9. It was created in 1962 by some Fort Worth teachers and residents who wanted to honor Cliburn.

In 1958 he won the first International Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow that helped thaw the icy rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. Cliburn also gained worldwide fame and rock-star status.

Cliburn died last week at age 78 at his Fort Worth home after battling bone cancer. He was never a judge in the competition bearing his name but had presented awards to winners.

The contest remains among the top showcases for the world’s best pianists.

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