'The Kanneh-Mason Family Takeover' launches on Sunday 26 February at 9pm GMT
Main image (clockwise from far left): Isata, Braimah, Mariatu, dad Stuart, Sheku, Konya, mum Kadiatu, Jeneba and Aminata
One of the UK's most famous classical families is joining the Classic FM team.
Across six weeks, the Kanneh-Masons – Mum Kadiatu, Dad Stuart, Isata (piano), Braimah (violin), Sheku (cello), Konya (piano & violin), Jeneba (piano & cello), Aminata (violin & piano) and Mariatu (cello & piano) – will share their favourite classical music and the pieces which have inspired them throughout their lives, both as a family and individually, and reveal their best-loved performances. They will talk about everyday life as a nine-strong family and share personal stories as they figuratively throw open the doors of their home to welcome in Classic FM listeners.
In the first programme, which airs 26 February at 9pm, pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason talks about the music that has had the biggest impact on her. This includes the second movement of the ‘Trout’ Quintet by Schubert, one of the most played pieces from her childhood; Little Women from the soundtrack of the same name by the film composer Alexandre Desplat; and the second movement of the Cello Sonata in G Minor by her favourite composer, Rachmaninov.
Cellist Sheku, who famously played at the wedding of Prince Harry & Meghan Markle, will host shows on 5 and 19 March. He'll be joined by mum Kadiatu on 19th for a Mother's Day Special.
Violinists Braimah and Aminata will host the third programme in the series (12 March), while sisters Konya and Jeneba – both pianists – will present the fifth episode (26 March), with their musical choices including Fantaisie-Impromptu by Chopin, in honour of their grandfather.
The final programme (2 April), to be hosted by dad Stuart and youngest daughter Mariatu, will feature Mozart’s Piano Concerto No 20 in D Minor, another family favourite, along with the first movement of Elgar’s Cello Concerto – the piece that inspired Mariatu to play the cello after hearing her brother Sheku perform it.
Kadiatu comments, "We are so excited to have been asked to present our own shows on Classic FM. It’s a real thrill for the whole family as it’s a radio station we have loved and been listening to since the children were very small!"
The full series will also be available on Global Player for an extended period.