Harvey Van Cliburn

Country

United States

Birth - Death

1934 - 2013

Occupation

Entertainment

Notable Achievements

Presidential Medal of Freedom, Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition

Description

Classical pianist. Won the first Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition at the height of the Cold War. Renowned player of Chopin, Tchaikovsky piano pieces. Received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2001. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2003, and in 2004 was given the Russian Order of Friendship, the highest civilian awards of the two countries.