Young, Gifted And Classical: The Making Of A Maestro

Sheku Kanneh-Mason, winner of this year’s BBC Young Musician, will be the subject of a BBC Four for BBC Music (1x60) documentary exploring issues of diversity in classical music.

The 17-year-old cellist wowed audiences with his virtuosity this summer in the grand finale of BBC Young Musician 2016. He not only won one of the most prestigious titles in classical music, but also entered the history books as the first black winner of the competition.

This observational documentary will follow Sheku, his parents Stuart and Kadiatu, and his six brothers and sisters, all of whom are also gifted in classical music. It will explore issues of diversity and access in classical music, as well as looking at the human story and sacrifices that parents Stuart and Kadiatu made in order to support their children in pursuing their dreams.

Featuring interviews with Julian Lloyd Webber and Nicola Benedetti, the documentary will follow Sheku’s musical journey since winning BBC Young Musician, navigating the many opportunities that have come his way.

The programme also shines a light on the Chineke Foundation, which was founded by Chi-chi Nwanoku, and follows the Chineke! Orchestra, featuring Sheku and some of his siblings, as they prepare for a special concert at the Royal Festival Hall, London.

Young, Gifted and Classical is an Outline production, commissioned by Emma Cahusac, Executive Producer, Music and Arts, for Cassian Harrison, Channel Editor, BBC Four. The Executive Producer for Outline is Director of Programmes Bridget Boseley and the Director is Eddie Hutton-Mills.

Publicity contact: MC4