Harp Dreams

Blythe Danner narrates this PBS documentary tracking the experiences of 31 young musicians who travel from around the world to Indiana University's Jacobs School of Music for the 2007 edition of the triennial USA International Harp Competition. Founder Susann McDonald notes that the person who captures first place will walk away with a career—including professional management and a recording contract—as well as a one-of-a-kind, $55,000 harp handmade by renowned stringed-instrument manufacturer Lyon & Healy. Filmmaker Susanne Schwibs also interviews instructors, relatives, and historians, and incorporates family photos and footage of the contestants at home. Viewers will get to know players like Maria Krushevskaya of Russia, and Paris Conservatory student Mai Fukui of Japan, along with others from Switzerland, Taiwan, France, Argentina, Korea, China, Italy, and the U.S. Each competitor prepares in a unique way (to rest her fingers, for instance, Fukui rehearses by singing the notes), and the tension predictably mounts as the event proceeds through the grueling elimination rounds. The three finalists perform a concert with the Jacobs School Summer Festival Orchestra, during which the winner is announced. DVD extras include a visit to Lyon & Healy's Chicago workshop (among other bonus scenes), an inside look at choosing a harp, and Krushevskaya's version of “Eugene Onegin.” Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (K. Fennessy)