Young, Gifted & Classical
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BBC4
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1x60
episodes
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Young, Gifted & Classical

Young, Gifted & Classical
The Outline
Sheku Kanneh-Mason made history this year when he became the first black winner of the BBC Young Musician competition. Skeku has 6 musically gifted siblings and the film explores their extraordinary talents and issues of diversity in classical music.

We follow Sheku and his six brothers and sisters and examine the sacrifices that parents Stuart and Kadie make in order to support their children in pursuing their musical dreams. Told through the prism of family life we get an understanding of what it is that drives this family to be the best musicians they can be.  At the heart of the story is 17-year-old Sheku and we see him coming to terms with his Young Musician win and the pressures and opportunities that brings. His life is changing dramatically as he now has to learn to deal with the challenges of becoming a world-renowned cellist.

He will get advice from those who have trod this path already, including an international violinist, Nicola Benedetti, and renowned cellist Julian Lloyd Webber, discovering what it takes to be a famous international solo musician.

The documentary culminates with Sheku’s biggest performance to date, playing at the world-famous Royal Festival Hall in London, with Britain’s first all-black and ethnic minority orchestra, Chineke!. As the preparations for this groundbreaking concert begin, the film explores what it means to be a young, black, classical musician in today’s society.

Channel
Episodes
1x60
Year
2016
Related
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Related
Season 1
Season 3
Distributor
All3Media
Young, Gifted & Classical
Accolades
  • What you should watch list
    New York Times
Reviews
  • "Unbelievable, amazing programme."
    Twitter
  • "Amazing! A hidden gem!"
    Amazon review
  • "An uplifting documentary"
Productions