BBC Music film to introduce pupils to classical music

BBC Music will release a film, called Ten Pieces II, specially made for secondary schools to introduce a new generation to classical music which will feature Scots violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Violinist Nicola Benedetti will feature in the film. Picture: Jane Barlow

Starring the Salford-based BBC Philharmonic, the film showcases the film’s titular ten pieces of music, which represent a wide range of styles and eras that relate to secondy music curriculum. The film is designed to be a bridge between contemporary and classical music, and will feature celebrity presenters including former Top Gear presenter James May, actor Christopher Eccleston, singer Pixie Lott, rapper Doc Brown and former footballer Dion Dublin.

Works from Verdi, Wagner and Bach will feature in the hour-long film, which follows a similar film aimed at primary school pupils, Ten Pieces Primary.

The works in the film will be presented across various programmes on BBC Radio 3 until October 10.

Benedetti, commenting on the film and her involvement, said: “I see first-hand on a regular basis the powerful impact music has on children. It is vital that it forms part of a child’s education and Ten Pieces Primary was a brilliant initiative which helped to ensure the potential of every primary school child having access to classical music. Ten Pieces Secondary offers a route in to the genre for 11-18 year olds and I am thrilled to continue to be a part of it. The Lark Ascending is such an evocative piece and one of the most loved in the repertoire making it an ideal choice and introduction.”

Tony Hall, the BBC’s director-general, said: “I’m so proud of this campaign, the biggest commitment the BBC has ever made to music education in our country.”