Five new episodes of Musical Storyland, composed by Daniel Whibley, are due to be aired from today, March 25, 2024.
“Musical Storyland is set to be an inspirational series and an amazing resource for young people and families,” Kate Morton, Senior Head of Children’s Commissioning 0-6 BBC.
Yet more exciting news from Carrot HQ!
Following on from the enormous success of the CBeebies musical story of The Gingerbread Man, Carrot Productions' Musical Director, Daniel Whibley, was commissioned by the BBC to compose original music for their newest musical CBeebies' series: Musical Storyland.
Children’s favourite fairy tales, together with traditional folktales from around the world, are re-imagined with Daniel's magical music. They feature live action and animation and are narrated by a host of stars, including: BBC Radio 5 Live presenter, Nihal Arthanayake; international storyteller, Jan Blake; and CBBC and Eastenders actor, Molly Rainford.
Series 1 was launched in November, 2023 - and is available on the iplayer. It features the stories: Three Billy Goats Gruff, Jack and the Beanstalk, Ananse and the Monkeys, The Great Race, The Little Fir Tree.
Series 2 sees five new episodes aired from Monday, 25 March 2024: Hare and Tortoise, The Enormous Turnip, The Stone Cutter, Three Little Pigs, The Baobab Tree.
Daniel's atmospheric musical scores are performed by musicians from the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra and special guest musicians with instruments from other countries and cultures, including:
Sidiki Dembélé – Multi-instrumentalist who has performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company and as a soloist and collaborator at festivals, theatres and concert halls all over the world.
Zi Lan Liao – Guzheng player who has appeared with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic and on the soundtrack for The Last Emperor. Zi Lan Liao is artistic director of Pagoda Arts, Europe’s largest and oldest Chinese Youth Orchestra.
Sean Chandler – DeaF trumpeter, playing lead trumpet in various big bands. Sean is on the teaching staff of the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain, is a Teacher of the Deaf, and workshop leader.
Helen Foulkes, Head of Education and Newsround, said, “This collaboration provides schools with classroom resources fully integrated with what is beautiful CBeebies programming. It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn through storytelling and to bring world class musicians – and their instruments – into the classroom,”
“The talented team behind the scenes have brought these stories to life in a unique way and we are sure children and adults alike will enjoy this truly magical series of programmes”