Julian Lloyd Webber reveals his classic reality TV show hope

Julian Lloyd Webber said a reality TV show for classical music would help uncover great talents.

The 59-year-old cellist spoke to the Express & Star in rehearsals ahead of his debut duet with professional cellist and wife of one year Jiaxin Cheng at Birmingham's Town Hall.

Speaking on the success of brother Lord Andrew's BBC One reality shows, Julian said: "I think Andrew was probably a bit surprised.

"I think reality TV shows have helped find some great talent and I wish we could do the same thing for classical music."

As a household name, Andrew initially shocked audiences when he became a judge for the BBC programme How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria?, Julian said.

But that first success grew with Any Dream Will Do, which searched for the lead for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I'd Do Anything for cast members for Oliver, and Over The Rainbow, which searched for an unknown to play Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Julian added.

"If a classical reality programme was done the right way it would get a following like Andrew's shows have. It would stop people thinking of classical music as always serious.

"Without reality shows, many young performers might just have remained undiscovered completely," he said.

Wife Jiaxin, who married Julian in July last year in London, added: "I think it is a good idea and it would bring the young talented people out.

"I think classical music could do with a reality show to give people more opportunity to play."

The couple spoke before playing Vivaldi's rarely-heard Double Concerto for two cellos at the Victoria Square hall yesterday, following the resident Orchestra of the Swan, who played the Arrival (and Departure) of the Queen of Sheba.

Julian added: "It's our first concert together, we have been married over a year so it's overdue really but on the other hand it was important to wait.

"The music has got to be right and so has the occasion and we wanted that to happen naturally. When this chance came up, it was perfect and what a beautiful venue it is now it's been refurbished."

With composer William for a father and violinist and pianist Jean for a mother, Julian grew up with music in the house.

His recent recordings – both on EMI Classics - include Unexpected Songs and Phantasia, based on brother Andrew's Phantom of the Opera and featuring violinist Sarah Chang.

Speaking on collaborations with family and now his wife, Julian added: "When I play music by my father or Andrew and play with Jiaxin, I don't know have to think too much how it should go because I know how they meant it."

Now approaching his 60th birthday, Julian's career has seen him play with world renowned musicians from the pop sphere in Elton John and classical circles in conductor Yehudi Menuhin, with whom he played Elgar's Concerto and scooped a Brit Award.

On his plans for the future, Julian said: "I am not too happy thinking of turning 60 but for my birthday next year on April 14 I will play Festival Hall with Andrew and Jiaxin together.

"I will be playing a piece by a new American composer, who is hot property at the moment, called Eric Whitacre (CORR) and Dame Cleo Laine will be singing.

"It should be a great show."

Julian is regarded as one of the most creative musicians of his generation and leads England's In Harmony programme, which works to promote development in the most deprived areas, through musical learning.

In 1994 he was made a Fellow of the Royal College of Music. He was also London Underground's first official busker.

Jiaxin performed with the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra before becoming principal cello of the Auckland Chamber Orchestra, in New Zealand. Since 2007 Jiaxin has been living in London.

Laine is the only female performer to have received Grammy nominations for jazz, pop and classical music. She is the widow of jazz composer Sir John Dankworth.