Van Cliburn's Last Wish: Ducks Are Flying (PART 1 OF 3)

Originally written on March 2, 2013

Special thanks to Rebecca Krzystyniak and Archie Bailey for their amazing trust in me and love of music. 

In February 2013 something magical and unforgettable happened that changed my world. I had the highest honor of being personally involved in helping find, transcribe and translate a Russian song which American pianist Van Cliburn (July 12, 1934 – February 27, 2013) loved so much that he requested it to be performed at his own funeral. Even today, more than six years later, as I am updating this story for a re-post, it’s hard to believe that my humble participation in the days before Cliburn's funeral helped to make his last wish come true. 

Coming soon:
Part 2: Van Cliburn's Funeral Service
Part 3: Ducks Are Flying finds new life in America, thanks to Cliburn’s last wish

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