Van Cliburn, the renowned American classical pianist, has died aged 78.

BBC: Van Cliburn, American pianist, dies aged 78

The administrators, some teachers, and an eleven-year-old half-American, half-Chinese pianist named Vanessa waited for Lang Lang.

NEWYORKER: The Olympian

During a break, the substitute pianist, a young African-American jazz musician named Herbie Hancock, was doodling with a tune he'd just written.

NPR: The Music Of Africa, By Way Of Latin America

At the time of Gould's American debut in January 1955, the "Goldberg Variations" were mainly known to musicologists. (Gould too was unknown to American audiences.) But the 22-year-old Canadian pianist s performance was so energetic and captivating that he became a classical music superstar.

NPR: The Variations of Glenn Gould

In 1948, Valdes harnessed the influences of American jazz, Cuban melodies and African rhythms when he became the principal pianist and arranger for the house orchestra of Havana's Tropicana night club, the crown jewel of Cuban nightlife.

NPR: Bebo Valdes' Long Musical Journey