BBC Young Musician S2014E01 - Strings Final

BBC Young Musician 2014 begins with highlights from the strings category final. Presented by the 1998 finalist - trumpeter Alison Balsom - and classical guitarist Milos, four violinists and a harpist battle it out for a place in the semi-final of the UK's ultimate classical music contest.

The competition shines a spotlight on some of our most talented young instrumentalists. Filmed at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff the programme features behind-the-scenes access, profiles of the category finalists and extensive highlights from their performances.

But this isn't your average TV talent show and there is no fast track to success - these gifted musicians will have years of practice behind them and are all Grade 8 standard or above. Almost 500 entered the competition and after two gruelling audition rounds, only 25 remain.

The series kicks off with a dazzling display from five exceptional young string players: 18-year-old violinist Elizaveta Tyun, 17-year-old Roberto Ruisi also playing the violin, 16-year-old violinist Dogyung Anna Im, 17-year-old harpist Juliana Myslov and 19-year-old violinist William Dutton. Expect some remarkable performances, with music ranging from Bach and Brahms to Gershwin and Lutoslawski. Each of the finalists is determined to impress the judges and win the strings title.