CHAW presents "They Came to Play" January 11, 2010

Washington, D.C. – The Capitol Hill Arts Workshop (CHAW) will present the movie, “They Came to Play,” (2009) on Monday, January 11th at 7PM. The movie chronicles the Fifth International Piano Competition of Outstanding Amateurs, which is hosted by The Van Cliburn Foundation. Players from all over the world, ranging from the self taught to the classically trained, aged thirty-five to eighty. These art enthusiasts convene in Fort Worth, Texas for a week of intense competition, music and camaraderie.
“They Came to Play” provides an intimate look into the lives of the colorful, multi-faceted competitors whom music binds to one another. The movie beautifully weaves together interviews and the music of an eclectic mix of the contest’s entrants. For competitors who have faced such extraordinary challenges as drug addiction, AIDS, or political asylum, the competition is also a triumph over adversity. For all, it represents an overwhelming desire to express a deeper side of themselves, musically and otherwise.
The film is directed by Alex Rotaru. The run time is ninety-one minutes. The website for the film is: www.theycametoplay.com. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Reservations can be made by calling (202) 547-6839 or emailing Victor Prince at victor@chaw.org. CHAW is located at 545 7th street SE, Washington DC, 20003.

Official Website: http://www.theycametoplay.com