US production and distribution giant dick clark productions has picked up the international distribution rights to MTVA’s original talent format for classical music, Virtuosos. The deal was signed during MIPTV in Cannes.

dcp said there's interest in the show from China and Japan and the company is working on a deal with U.S. networks, AP reports.

"We believe we may have a U.S. launch simultaneously with one of the other territories," dcp executive Mark Rafalowski told The Associated Press.

"There are very few things outside of sports that can attract a multi-generational audience. Youth competitions done right, especially music, are one of those things."

In Hungary, the first season of Virtuosos was a huge hit for state television in 2014. Recording is underway for its second season — nine episodes lasting an average of 90 minutes, including a gala event.

The 81 participants in the initial rounds came from over 2.200 musicians in three age groups.

In the first round, instrumentalists and singers perform solo or with minimal accompaniment. Semifinalists are backed by a chamber ensemble and this season's finalists in each age group — those attending elementary school, high school or music universities — will have access to Hungary's National Philharmonic Orchestra.

The show returns with a new season on Duna TV on April 15.