The Listening Service

Jumping Fleas: the rise and rise of the Ukulele

Listen on

Episode notes

Tom Service explores the world of the Ukulele, from the Hawaiian Royal Court of King Kalakaua to Blackpool Pier with George Formby, the Royal Albert Hall where hundreds of ukulele players performed Beethoven's Ode to Joy at the 2009 BBC Proms, and into thousands of classrooms where it's now the most widely taught instrument in British primary schools.

With Hawaiian born ukulele virtuoso and composer Taimane Gardner.

Producer: Ruth Thomson