1983 – Fort Worth, Texas
Martha Rowan Hyder attended Sweetbriar College and graduated from the University of Texas with majors in history and government. She was married to the late Elton M. Hyder, Jr. and has three children. Mrs. Hyder was a founding member of the Executive Committee of the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. As its chairman, she is credited with leading the Competition to its world-renowned status through unstinting efforts on behalf of young, accomplished musicians worldwide. Martha also established the Cliburn Council which holds lectures, concerts and fundraising events during off-contest years. Co-chair of the Northwood Albert Schweitzer Music Award in New York in 1983, whose recipient was Van Cliburn, Mrs. Hyder devoted months of time and talent to insure the success of both the Carnegie Hall benefit concert and the following gala. She has been vice president and national trustee of the National Symphony in Washington, D.C., a member of the International Committee of the New York City Ballet and a past board member of the Dallas Symphony and Friends of Carnegie Hall. A leader in her own community as well, she has served the executive committees of the Fort Worth Symphony Board and Art Museum Board. In 1978, Mrs. Hyder was honored as Woman of the Year by the Fort Worth Altrusa Club.
