A one-off documentary Mozart: Genius for Hire, produced by Section 52 Films (Dickens: Phantoms and Fictions, David Harewood: Dickens in Italy) for Sky Arts, tells the story of one of the world’s most iconic classical musicians breaking free from the constraints of court employment to embrace a risky life as a pioneering freelancer.

Through historical analysis of Mozart’s commissions, expert interviews with contributors including John Suchet OBE, Annilese Miskimmon, and Professor Simon Keefe, alongside dramatic readings of his letters from actor Matthew Broome (as Mozart) and David Harewood (as his father, Leopold), the film reveals the evolution of Mozart’s talent and battle for financial stability in the pursuit of artistic freedom.

Mozart’s music sits at the heart of the documentary, featuring a never-before-seen performance of Lacrimosa by Danielle De Niese, a full version of Rondo in C major for Violin and Orchestra performed by Grammy-winning violinist Gil Shaham alongside the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and piano pieces by Cyrill Ibrahim.

This documentary marks Section 52’s third collaboration with Sky Arts following the success of Dickens: Phantoms and Fictions and David Harewood: Dickens in Italy, and reflects their ongoing mission to tell the stories they care about, and make them accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Executive Producer & Section 52 Films Co-Founder, David Harewood said: “Mozart was not only the genius composer we all recognise, but also a pioneering freelance musician hustling and taking risks, much like artists today. We’re excited for audiences to discover this lesser-known chapter of his life and, hopefully, find it as inspiring as we did.”

Executive Producer & Section 52 Films Co-Founder, Sabina Emrit Harper said: “We are delighted to bring to screen this part of Mozart’s extraordinary journey, and we hope this film captures even some of the wonder and surprise of his life and music, in a way that resonates with audiences everywhere.”

Mozart: Genius for Hire will air on December 16th, as part of Sky Arts’ Mozart Season – a collection of new programmes celebrating the legacy of classical’s greatest maestro. The documentary will complete the Sky Arts segment later this year alongside Mozart’s Women: A Musical Journey and Mozart’s Sister, in line with the release of Sky Original limited drama Amadeus.

The 1×90 documentary is produced and directed for Section 52 Films by Dhivya Kate Chetty, with Sabina Emrit Harper and David Harewood as Executive Producers. Benedetta Pinelli is the Commissioning Editor for Sky.

Founded by actor, filmmaker and RADA President David Harewood MBE and producer and director Sabina Emrit Harper, Section 52 Films is a London-based production company dedicated to telling bold, accessible stories that celebrate artistry, culture and identity. With three completed documentaries and a fourth in production, the company is now developing a range of scripted projects while continuing to champion inclusive storytelling that bridges entertainment and education.

Other posts by :

1. Revenue jump forecast for Eutelsat
2. Moody’s upgrades Eutelsat’s debt rating
3. Rivada Space Networks wins spectrum dispute
4. Will we take an AI bubble bath?
5. Eutelsat shareholders upset over Rights Issue
6. Amazon Leo satellites en route to French Guiana
7. Deutsche Bank reveals targets for AST SpaceMobile
8. AST SpaceMobile boss outlines benefits
9. Report: LEO build-out accelerates

Categories: Press Releases

Tags: Music, Sky Arts