Post by Dave on Oct 7, 2007 19:45:16 GMT
Hello everyone,
Steve Abbott to Judge new TV Reality Show Classical Star
Yesterday I saw a short promo clip on BBC TV for the forthcoming BBC2 reality TV series "Classical Star". It looks like it will be a classical X-Factor.
There is already a BBC web page dedicated to the series at but I had to find out more because guess who I glimpsed in that TV promo clip? Not Hayley but... none other than Hayley's Manager, the ubiquitous Mr Steve Abbott! I guessed that he must be one of the judges so I went off in search of more... courtesy of the BBC Press Pack for the series.
And from the Judges page
So finally, we have the long awaited biography of Mr Steve Abbott... whose talents and contacts, past and present, seem to know no bounds! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif
I am looking forward to watching this new TV series, which starts Tuesday 16 October 2007 at 9pm on BBC2.
Cheers, Dave
Steve Abbott to Judge new TV Reality Show Classical Star
Yesterday I saw a short promo clip on BBC TV for the forthcoming BBC2 reality TV series "Classical Star". It looks like it will be a classical X-Factor.
There is already a BBC web page dedicated to the series at but I had to find out more because guess who I glimpsed in that TV promo clip? Not Hayley but... none other than Hayley's Manager, the ubiquitous Mr Steve Abbott! I guessed that he must be one of the judges so I went off in search of more... courtesy of the BBC Press Pack for the series.Introduction
The hunt for Britain's next classical music superstar is on and, for one exceptional young musician, the opportunity of a lifetime is within reach. The winner of BBC Two's Classical Star will win a top record deal and the chance to launch their dream career.
Acclaimed musician and Classical Star Musical Director, Matthew Barley, is searching for a top-class performer who has the ability to broaden the appeal of classical music. Aged between 12 and 19, and already at least grade 8 in their chosen instrument, the winner must have that extra-special something to impress the prestigious judging panel.
The hunt for Britain's next classical music superstar is on and, for one exceptional young musician, the opportunity of a lifetime is within reach. The winner of BBC Two's Classical Star will win a top record deal and the chance to launch their dream career.
Acclaimed musician and Classical Star Musical Director, Matthew Barley, is searching for a top-class performer who has the ability to broaden the appeal of classical music. Aged between 12 and 19, and already at least grade 8 in their chosen instrument, the winner must have that extra-special something to impress the prestigious judging panel.
And from the Judges page
The Judges
Academy Music Director – Matthew Barley
Charles Hazlewood
Chi-chi Nwanoku MBE
Jason Lai
Steve Abbott
Steve is MD of Bedlam Artist Management, originally formed in 1988 to represent artists' recording, performing and business careers and then reformed in 2003.
He manages young New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, violinist Nicola Benedetti and pianist Lang Lang and produces top-selling albums – recent successes of note include The Choirboys (320,000 UK sales) and All Angels (250,000 UK sales).
Steve began his career as a singer in a punk band with which he toured the world, released two albums, five singles and achieved three No. 1 records in the UK and two in the US. He then changed track to classical guitar and made a name for himself composing music for theatre and television.
In 1988, Steve formed Big Cat Records Ltd, a diverse label including alternative rock, jazz and experimental and classical and produced albums with artists including Emma Kirkby and Ian Bostridge.
In 1997, the company was bought by the Virgin Group and became known as V2 records. Steve worked as Head of International, setting up the company around the world, and became head of A&R and General Manager V2 /Virgin Records North America – signing, amongst others, Moby, The White Stripes, RZA and the Alvin Ailey Ballet Company.
Steve returned to London in 2003 to reform Bedlam Artist Management.
Other credits include producing the music programme of Princess Diana's funeral service, working with Master of Choristers Martin Neary and personally introducing Sir Elton John into the proceedings.
Academy Music Director – Matthew Barley
Charles Hazlewood
Chi-chi Nwanoku MBE
Jason Lai
Steve Abbott
Steve is MD of Bedlam Artist Management, originally formed in 1988 to represent artists' recording, performing and business careers and then reformed in 2003.
He manages young New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, violinist Nicola Benedetti and pianist Lang Lang and produces top-selling albums – recent successes of note include The Choirboys (320,000 UK sales) and All Angels (250,000 UK sales).
Steve began his career as a singer in a punk band with which he toured the world, released two albums, five singles and achieved three No. 1 records in the UK and two in the US. He then changed track to classical guitar and made a name for himself composing music for theatre and television.
In 1988, Steve formed Big Cat Records Ltd, a diverse label including alternative rock, jazz and experimental and classical and produced albums with artists including Emma Kirkby and Ian Bostridge.
In 1997, the company was bought by the Virgin Group and became known as V2 records. Steve worked as Head of International, setting up the company around the world, and became head of A&R and General Manager V2 /Virgin Records North America – signing, amongst others, Moby, The White Stripes, RZA and the Alvin Ailey Ballet Company.
Steve returned to London in 2003 to reform Bedlam Artist Management.
Other credits include producing the music programme of Princess Diana's funeral service, working with Master of Choristers Martin Neary and personally introducing Sir Elton John into the proceedings.
So finally, we have the long awaited biography of Mr Steve Abbott... whose talents and contacts, past and present, seem to know no bounds! i.postimg.cc/9fYxy370/smilie-big-grin.gif
I am looking forward to watching this new TV series, which starts Tuesday 16 October 2007 at 9pm on BBC2.
Cheers, Dave
Unfortuneately I can't receive BBC2 on my TV. 
