The touching and tragic real-life story of brilliant, international concert cellist Jacqueline Du Pré (Emily Watson) as seen by her sister Hilary (Rachel Griffiths) and brother Piers (Rupert Penry- Jones). From their early life together as musicians, flautist Hilary was the one in demand until their mother Iris (Celia Imrie) scolded Jacqueline that if she wanted to be with her sister she must become as good as her. To Jacqueline's debut performance in the Wigmore Hall, London following which she is presented with the Stradivarius Davidoff by an unknown benefactor. Following a wedding appearance in Italy the lives of Hilary and Jacqueline separated as Hilary returned to London and her flute studies whilst Jacqueline embarked on her international concert career. In London Hilary marries Kiffer Finzi (David Morrissey) and starts a family whilst Jacqueline meets and marries conductor Daniel Barenboim (James Frain).