Keshet International has completed a seventh licensing agreement for “Master Class”, its internationally successful children’s music talent show, with ALPHA Cyprus set to produce a new local adaptation titled “Music School”.
Originally created by Yoav Tzafir, Tamira Yardeni and Zvika Hadar for Keshet 12, “Master Class” is a feel-good musical talent format in which children perform beloved songs in a supportive and uplifting environment. Guided by leading artists, young singers develop their talent and confidence through weekly performances within a music school setting.
Salomé Peillon, Acting Managing Director of Distribution at Keshet International, said: “With no eliminations and only positive feedback, Master Class is a family-friendly format that celebrates the joy of music, showcasing the innocence, courage and fresh interpretations that make these young performers so captivating. We are delighted to see this format being adapted by ALPHA Cyprus and have no doubt Cypriot audiences will adore watching the children flourish as they get to follow their dreams.”
Petros Petrou, CEO of ALPHA Cyprus, commented: “We are delighted to welcome Master Class to Cyprus and to the ALPHA family as Music School. ALPHA Cyprus continues to invest in strong partnerships with leading international format distributors, like Keshet International, enriching our schedule with high-quality entertainment.”
Andreas Vasiliou, Television Entertainment Manager of ALPHA Cyprus, added: “Music School is a heartwarming, exciting and deeply human format that gives children from across Cyprus the opportunity to showcase their musical talent through an internationally recognized television brand. We look forward to sharing these unique musical moments with audiences during the upcoming television season.”
Based on Keshet’s hit format, ALPHA Cyprus’ “Music School” will offer an original musical journey combining talent, emotion, mentorship and inspiration. The programme will feature Cypriot and Greek songs alongside international classics and contemporary hits. Applications for aspiring performers are expected to open soon, ahead of the show’s debut in the upcoming television season.
Originally produced by Tedy Productions for Keshet 12, “Master Class” became a breakthrough hit in Israel, attracting an average audience share of 48% and ranking as the country’s highest-rated talent show during its run.
Prior to the Cyprus deal, the format had already been adapted in six territories, including Hungary, Uruguay, China, Greece, Slovenia and Georgia. In Hungary, where it aired for three seasons on TV2, the show regularly ranked as the most-watched programme of the week, reaching a peak average audience share of 30%, more than 88% above the channel average. In China, the format ran for three seasons on BTV, becoming one of the country’s most-watched television shows and one of the most discussed programmes on social media platform Weibo.
Alongside “Master Class”, Keshet International also distributes Keshet’s dance competition format “Masters of Dance”, which has been adapted in Germany for RTL by Tresor, and “Rising Star”, the singing competition that serves as Israel’s Eurovision Song Contest selection format and is preparing to film its 13th season for Keshet 12.
“Rising Star” has established itself as a proven pipeline for Eurovision success, selecting Netta Barzilai ahead of her 2018 victory and Israel’s representatives for consecutive second-place finishes in 2025 and 2026. By combining talent discovery with audience engagement from the outset, the format helps build national support that can translate into strong Eurovision results.
