A Surprise in Texas

After years of practice-filled days, the young competitors came from the far corners of the world seeking gold in North America. However, the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition participants were not Olympic athletes, but rather inspired musicians with dazzling technique and artistry developed well beyond their youth. This film literally brings the viewer backstage during their rigorous three-week competition schedule in May and June 2009, and offers insight into the daily lives of the competitors hailing from 14 countries while they were in Fort Worth, Tex. With the performances of Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, and Rachmaninoff and other piano masterpieces setting the impassioned tone, this film is an inspiration to all people who overcome disabilities, hurdles, or obstacles in life.