CIM to Live Video Stream Commencement Address by legendary Pianist Van Cliburn

On Saturday, May 19, the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM) will live stream its Commencement exercises at 10:00 a.m. (EST) on www.cim.edu and on its mobile optimized website and smartphone apps powered by InstantEncore.com. The ceremony will feature iconic music figure, pianist Van Cliburn, as CIM presents him with an honorary doctorate. He will also give the Commencement Address to approximately 120 graduates.

The musical program includes tribute performances by critically acclaimed pianist Sergei Babayan as well as pre-recorded work by his protégé – the 2011 International Tchaikovsky Competition Grand Prix Winner, pianist Daniil Trifonov.

“Our new ability to present CIM on a variety of internet platforms, including the web and mobile devices, offers exciting opportunities for us and for our audiences,” said Conservatory Dean Adrian Daly. “I’m delighted that CIM will be streaming this year’s Commencement, allowing us to share the celebration of our newest graduates and of Van Cliburn with a wider audience.”

With his historic 1958 victory at the very first Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow, at the height of the Cold War, Mr. Cliburn became a household name to people of all ages, and most significantly, in homes with no previous connections to classical music.