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Date : 08.08.08
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ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World News is to bring viewers a second series of the ground-breaking programme Visionaries. This year, the seven-part popular arts programme invites viewers to vote for the classical music composer they consider to be the most visionary.

Visionaries will broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World News from Saturday, 30 August (10.30 GMT) and begins with a special introductory programme taking the viewer on a sweeping journey into the history of classical music. Presented by Francine Stock, each of the following five episodes focuses on a different classical music era from baroque through to the present day. Going head-to-head will be Bach and Handel, Mozart and Beethoven, Chopin and Verdi, Shostakovich and Takemitsu, and Philip Glass and Boulez.

During the Credit Suisse ad-funded series, ten knowledgeable advocates including Alexander Armstrong, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Courtney Pine, argue the case as to why their chosen composer is the most visionary. Viewers are invited to vote for their favourite on www.visionaries.com. This bespoke website features a producer’s blog, discussion board, profiles of the visionaries, biographies of the advocates and a general knowledge quiz.

Visionaries concludes with a special programme on Saturday, 25 October where the winning composer will be announced.

Francine Stock, presenter of ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ World News’s Visionaries, says, “This year we’re really excited to bring viewers a ‘clash of the titans’ style battle to identify the most inspiring classical music composer of all time.â€�

For more details contact bbcworldnewspressoffice@bbc.com

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