A Surprise in Texas

In May 2009, twenty-nine of the world's best young pianists converged in Fort Worth, Texas for a once in a lifetime chance at gold in the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Emmy-winning director Peter Rosen follows these distinctive personalities during a rigorous three-week competition including intense rehearsals, introspective moments, preconcert rituals and endearing celebrations. Hailing from 14 countries, competitors were welcomed with Texas-sized hospitality by their host families and immersed in a city best characterized by the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau's advertising slogan ''Cowboys and Culture.'' With the performances of Chopin, Liszt, Beethoven, Rachmaninov and other piano masterpieces setting the impassioned tone, the result is an intricate inside view into the inner workings of the world's most prestigious piano competition and a heartwarming story that proves to be a momentous surprise in Texas.