23/07/2008
A host of famous classical music fans are to have their creative flair tested to the limit as part of BBC Two's Maestro series.
The summer-long show will follow the eight passionate hopefuls doing battle for the chance to conduct the BBC Concert Orchestra and will culminate in a grand performance infront of thousands of music fans.
With filming already underway, the programme looks set to appeal to a huge audience as the eight famous faces take in an unlikely mix of personalities including drum and bass star, Goldie, and Blur bassist, Alex James alongside broadcaster, Peter Snow, comedian, Sue Perkins and actress, Jane Asher.
Music Manifesto administrator, Grace Walter, has been lucky enough to have the opportunity of playing and rehearsing with the Maestros, including Alex James and had nothing but praise for the celebrities taking part saying: "It can be a scary thing to do especially if you can't read music or you don't know the repertoire. They're all doing really well and have been really getting into the music.
"It also makes you realise that you don't have to be able to read music or play an instrument to high level to enjoy or appreciate classical music. I'm hoping that Sue Perkins and Alex James make it through to the final stages."
The show which launches in August, will pair up each celebrity student with a professional conductor who will put them through their paces as they each strive to compete for a chance to perform at BBC Proms In The Park as part of the BBC Proms' world-famous Last Night celebrations on 13 September 2008.
An excited Peter Maniura, Head of BBC Classical Music Television, says the programme will, "delve into the practicalities, magic and mystery of what a conductor actually does to make great music happen."
Find out more and watch video clips on the Maestro website.