On Sunday evening, winter-weary area residents can enjoy the beauty of Longwood Gardens without leaving the comfort of their homes as WHYY broadcasts the debut of a new documentary at 8 p.m. on March 22.
Filmmaker and producer Eric Schultz of PCK Media used Longwood’s inaugural organ competition for “Pulling Out All the Stops.” The film showcases Longwood as well as its custom-built Aeolian organ, an instrument so massive that Pierre S. du Pont had a ballroom constructed in 1929 to house it.
The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes view of the competition, including glimpses of the work from a group of distinguished judges, who sorted through audition tapes from hopefuls aged 18 to 30. After selecting 10 rising stars representing eight different countries, the film follows the competitors from their arrival at Longwood to the announcement of the top prize.
Given only five hours to master Longwood’s complex instrument, the contestants faced off against each other at Longwood before being winnowed to a field of five. The film includes footage of all five in their hometowns.
As the pressure mounts for the finalists as they battle for three cash prizes – first, $40,000; second, $15,000; and third, $5,000 – Schultz captures the drama and angst of the presentations. In the process, he also provides a history lesson on the organ, which once held a prominent place in American music.
