Alum Sean Chen Takes Third in Van Cliburn Competition

Nick Romeo continues his coverage on From the Top alumni in the Van Cliburn Competition. Sean Chen, 24, who appeared on Show 134 when he was 17, was one of six From the Top alumni to enter the competition with an impressive group of 30 international pianists. Sean was the only From the Top alum to advance to the finals. 

Sean Chen celebrates his Crystal Award with his Cliburn host family.

At an award ceremony in Fort Worth, Texas last night, Sean Chen took third place in the Van Cliburn competition.

At the press conference following the awards ceremony, Sean said: “If you had asked me when I was a freshman at Juilliard if I ever would have medalled in the Cliburn I would have laughed and left. ”

He said that the experience at the Cliburn has been one of the best and also one of the most stressful of his life. When asked how high this this moment ranks among his musical accomplishments, he stretched his hand high in the air and smiled.

He also said that he and gold medalist Vadym Kholodenko were thinking of celebrating with whiskey.

Nick Romeo’s most recent book is Driven: Six Incredible Musical Journeys. Read more at www.nickromeoauthor.com.