A Surprise In Texas: Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition

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Credit: Van Cliburn Foundation/Altré MEDIA

Above: Gold Medalist (tie) Nobuyuki Tsujii (20 from Japan) performs with the Forth Worth Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro James Conlon, during the finals of The Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas (2009).

This documentary is a behind-the-scenes experience of the most prestigious piano contest in the world. Twenty-nine of the world’s best young pianists hailing from fourteen countries converged in Fort Worth for a once-in-a-lifetime chance at the coveted gold medal in the Thirteenth Van Cliburn International Piano Competition.

"Nobu fever" became a term in the world of classical music after 20 year-old Nobuyuki Tsujii from Japan won the competition in June 2009. This film follows Nobu, who is blind from birth, through the three weeks of grueling practice, rehearsal and performance during the competition, and is an inspiration to all people who face disabilities, hurdles or obstacles in life.