ABC Sharp is a new series from Lyric FM introducing classical music to a younger audience.

Beginning next Monday, the series will be broadcast weekly from 11.10 to 11.30 a.m. as part of the Lyric Notes programme.

While it is accessible to all ages, ABC Sharp is especially targeted at children from fourth class upwards.

The series concentrates on eight individual works by seminal composers, including The Sorcerer's Apprentice by Dukas and Rossini's William Tell Overture. Every third programme will look at a musical theme as explored by a number of composers. The series works by breaking down individual compositions into musical building blocks with excerpts to illustrate the story and how the piece is put together. Pizzicato, arpeggio, parts for flute or percussion are listened to and explained and then heard again in the context of the overall orchestra. The programmes will also discuss the families of orchestral instruments.