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The Cliburn: Playing on the Edge


The Cliburn: Playing on the Edge examines the day-to-day experiences of the young pianists taking part in one of the world’s most prestigious music festivals. Emmy award-winning producer Peter Rosen takes PBS viewers behind the scenes to provide a rare look at the physical, mental and emotional demands on the participants, as they strive to create unforgettable performances. The program examines the relationship between the pianist as a person, and as a performer. It also provides insight into the world of classical music by combining cutting-edge digital technology with an intimate look at the lives of the participants during the 17 days of competition that took place in Fort Worth, Texas in May-June 2001. This production was awarded a George Foster Peabody Award, the broadcasting industry’s equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize, in 2002.