SATURDAY 25 APRIL 2026
SAT 00:30 Through the Night (m002v2ss)
Schoenberg and Zemlinsky from the BBC Proms
From the 2024 BBC Proms, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and conductor Ryan Bancroft play Schoenberg and Zemlinsky. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Arnold Schoenberg (1874-1951)
Pelleas and Melisande op 5
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Ryan Bancroft (conductor)
01:12 AM
Alexander von Zemlinsky (1871-1942)
Die Seejungfrau
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, Ryan Bancroft (conductor)
01:54 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
The Mermaid's song (H.26a.25) from 6 Original canzonettas set 1
Elizabeth Watts (soprano), Mahan Esfahani (fortepiano)
01:58 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Piano Sonata in A minor, D784
Alfred Brendel (piano)
02:18 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Die schöne Melusine - overture Op 32
Danish Radio Concert Orchestra, Takuo Yuasa (conductor)
02:31 AM
Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871-1927)
String Quartet no 4 in A minor, Op 25
Oslo Quartet
03:07 AM
Božidar Širola (1889-1956)
Missa Poetica
Slovenian Chamber Choir, Vladimir Kranjčević (director)
03:40 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Scherzo no 1 in B flat major, D.593
Halina Radvilaite (piano)
03:46 AM
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Ballad from Karelia suite, Op 11
Baltic Sea Youth Philharmonic, Kristjan Järvi (conductor)
03:54 AM
Joseph Lauber (1864-1952)
Trois Morceaux Caracteristiques for solo flute, Op 47
Marianne Keller Stucki (flute)
04:00 AM
Carlo Ambrogio Lonati (c.1645-c.1712)
Sonata Quinta
Eva Saladin (violin), Daniel Rosin (cello), Johannes Keller (harpsichord)
04:08 AM
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Trumpet Suite
Blagoj Angelovski (trumpet), Velin Iliev (organ)
04:15 AM
Gabriel Fauré (1845 - 1924)
Nocturne in B major, Op 33 no 2
Stéphane Lemelin (piano)
04:22 AM
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Sonata in E minor, K.81, arr. for recorder and harpsichord
Bolette Roed (recorder), Joanna Boślak-Górniok (harpsichord)
04:31 AM
Nicolaos Mantzaros (1795-1872)
Sinfonia di genere Orientale in A minor
National Symphony Orchestra of Greek Radio, Andreas Pylarinos (conductor)
04:41 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
3 Pieces from Slatter (Norwegian Peasant Dances), Op 72
Håvard Gimse (piano)
04:49 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Fürchte dich nicht, ich bin bei dir, BWV.228
Tafelmusik Chamber Choir, Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra, Ivars Taurins (conductor)
04:58 AM
Luigi Donorà (1935-2022)
There where Kvarner lies… for viola and strings
Francesco Squarcia (viola), I Cameristi Italiani
05:06 AM
Fernando Sor (1778-1839)
Introduction and variations on a theme from Mozart's Magic Flute, Op 9
Ana Vidovic (guitar)
05:14 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
4 Notturni
Vancouver Chamber Choir, Wesley Foster (clarinet), Nicola Tipton (clarinet), William Jenkins (bass clarinet), Jon Washburn (director)
05:22 AM
Albert Roussel (1869-1937)
Piano Trio in E flat major, Op 2
Tale Olsson (violin), Johanna Sjunnesson (cello), Mats Jansson (piano)
05:51 AM
Wojciech Kilar (1931-2013)
Orawa for string orchestra (1988) (Vivo)
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Wojciech Rajski (conductor)
06:00 AM
Ludwig Thuille (1861-1907)
Sextet for piano and wind quintet in B flat major, Op 6
Jae-Eun Ku (piano), Tae-Won Kim (flute), Sang-Won Yoon (bassoon), Kwang-Ku Lee (horn), Hyon-Kon Kim (clarinet), Hyong-Sup Kim (male) (oboe)
SAT 06:30 Breakfast (m002v8bk)
Wake up with classical music
Hannah French presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
SAT 09:00 Saturday Morning (m002v8bm)
Mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly
Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack for the weekend.
Tom is joined by mezzo-soprano Dame Sarah Connolly who talks about her relationship to the music of Mahler, her ambition to become a jazz musician earlier in her career, and her upcoming concert at the Surrey Hills International Music Festival.
Violinist Randall Goosby chats to Tom about his current tour, making connections between the music of Harry Burleigh, Antonin Dvorak, Amy Beach, Claude Debussy and Ludwig van Beethoven.
And our focus on Creators continues with composer Gabriel Prokofiev, whose Concerto for Turntables and Orchestra turns 20 this year.
SAT 12:00 Earlier... with Jools Holland (m002v8bp)
Jools and guests share their musical favourites
Jools shares his lifelong passion for classical music and the beautiful connections with jazz and blues. With fascinating guests each week, who bring their own favourite music and occasionally perform live in Jools's studio.
Today, Jools's choices include music by Franz Liszt, Samuel Scheidt and Lili Boulanger, with performances by Khatia Buniatishvili, Roberta Flack and Tampa Red. His guest is the singer and bandleader Rolf Stahlhofen, who introduces music he loves by Handel, Rachmaninoff and Friedrich Gulda.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Earlier with Jools Holland".
SAT 13:00 Key Changes: Radio 3's Essential History of Classical Music (m002v8br)
1415: War, Pestilence and Sweet Sounds
On 25 October 1415 – St Crispin’s Day – the armies of England and France meet on a rain‑soaked field near Agincourt. Henry V’s outnumbered forces achieve a stunning victory in the middle of the Hundred Years War. But the impact of Henry's victory will be outstripped by a different kind of conquest, as the unique harmony that has been developing in Britain since the time of the Vikings starts to spread through France and beyond.
Gillian Moore is joined by a roster of distinguished historians for this major new BBC Radio 3 series, charting a course through 1000 years of classical music history. For the first eight programmes, historian Michael Wood is in the chair, as together they explore the bold new sound worlds of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Producer: David Fay
Academic Consultant: Professor Laura Tunbridge, University of Oxford
Story Consultant: Kate Leys
Series Editor for BBC Audio: Emma Harding
Key Changes theme tune composed by Joseph Howard and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Kerem Hasan.
MUSIC DETAILS
Anonymous: Agincourt Carol
Alamire
David Skinner (conductor)
Anonymous: Sumer is icumen in
Huelgas Ensemble
Paul van Nevel (conductor)
Anonymous: Beata viscera (Worcester Fragments)
Orlando Consort
Anonymous: Hymn to St Magnus
La Reverdie
John Dunstable: Quam pulchra es
BBC Singers
Owain Park (conductor)
Guillaume de Machaut: De fortune me doi pleindre et loer
Ensemble Musica Nova
Lucien Kandel (conductor)
Guillaume de Machaut: Sans cuer dolens
BBC Singers
Owain Park, conductor
Gherardello da Firenze / Caitríona O’Leary: Io son sì vaga della mia bellezza
Caitríona O’Leary (soprano)
Anakronos
Anonymous: Istampitta Tre fontane
The Early Music Consort of London
David Munrow (conductor)
John Dunstable: Credo (da gaudiorum premia)
Tonus Peregrinus
Anthony Pitts (conductor)
John Dunstable: O rosa bella
Ensemble Nova Alta
Gilles Binchois: Dueil angoisseux
Gothic Voices
Guillaume Dufay: Ave Maris Stella
BBC Singers
Owain Park (conductor)
SAT 14:00 Record Review (m002v8bt)
Respighi's ballet "La Boutique Fantasque" in Building a Library with Ben Gernon and Andrew McGregor
Andrew McGregor with the week's best new classical releases.
2.10pm
Andrew is joined by guest reviewer Emily McGregor, who picks four new releases that have caught her ear.
3pm
Building a Library: conductor Ben Gernon picks his favourite recordings of Respighi's balled "La Boutique Fantasque" (sometimes called "The Magic Toyshop"), a piece based on piano music by Rossini. The world premiere, at the Alhambra Theatre in London on 5 June 1919, was danced by Sergei Diaghilev's Ballets Russes, with a host of famous artists in the audience, including Pablo Picasso who sketched the final scene from the ballet.
Top choice:
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, Gianandrea Noseda (conductor)
CHANDOS CHAN10081
3.50pm
Record of the Week: Andrew picks a new release that has most impressed him this week.
SAT 16:00 Sound of Cinema (m002v8bw)
Edith is joined by Craig Armstrong and Matthew Kelly
Join Edith Bowman for a weekly look at notable film scores and memorable movie music.
In this episode, composer Craig Armstrong talks through the musical world of Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey in Harmonising Hollywood, and Matthew Kelly highlights his Pick of the Flicks, choosing a British romantic tragedy from the 1940s.
You’ll also hear a blend of timeless favourites and the latest soundtrack releases.
SAT 17:00 This Classical Life (m002vpts)
Jess Gillam with... Laura Mvula
Jess Gillam swaps favourite music with singer-songwriter and composer Laura Mvula. Laura grew up in Birmingham and studied at Birmingham Conservatoire before releasing her Mercury Prize-nominated debut album 'Sing to the Moon'. Her 2016 album The Dreaming Room and her 2021 album Pink Noise both received critical acclaim. She has worked with Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orchestre, and performed at the BBC Proms in 2014. She has written a new score to Inua Ellam's show An Evening with an Immigrant, which will be performed by Chineke! Orchestra at the Southbank Centre on 26th April.
Laura brings along music from Shostakovich, Rachmaninov, Jill Scott, and Minnie Riperton, whilst Jess's choices include pieces by Luise Adolpha Le Beau and Ravel, as well as a fun bluegrass track from Yo-Yo Ma.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3”.
SAT 18:00 Opera on 3 (m002v8bz)
Bellini's La Sonnambula
Amina's upcoming wedding to Elvino is thrown into disarray after she's caught in the room of Count Rodolfo. Elvino abandons her in a jealous rage, and it's only when she subsequently sleepwalks across a mill roof that he realises her innocence. Nadine Sierra and Xabier Anduaga sing the troubled couple, with Riccardo Frizza conducting.
A performance from October 2025, presented from the Met by Debra Lew Harder and Ira Siff.
Bellini: La Sonnambula
Amina ..... Nadine Sierra (soprano)
Elvino ..... Xabier Anduaga (tenor)
Lisa ..... Sydney Mancasola (soprano)
Rodolfo ..... Alexander Vinogradov (bass)
Alessio ..... Nicolas Newton (bass-baritone)
Notary ..... Scott Scully (tenor)
Teresa ..... Deborah Nansteel (mezzo-soprano)
Metropolitan Opera Chorus and Orchestra
Riccardo Frizza (conductor)
Nadine Sierra summits another peak of the soprano repertoire as Amina, who sleepwalks her way into audiences’ hearts in Bellini’s poignant tale of love lost and found. In his new production, Rolando Villazón—the tenor who has embarked on a brilliant second career as a director—retains the opera’s original setting in the Swiss Alps but uses its somnambulant plot to explore the emotional and psychological valleys of the mind. Tenor Xabier Anduaga co-stars as Amina’s fiancé, Elvino, alongside soprano Sydney Mancasola as her rival, Lisa, and bass Alexander Vinogradov as Count Rodolfo. Riccardo Frizza takes the podium for one of opera’s most ravishing works
SAT 21:30 Music Planet (m002v8c1)
Retro Mexican cumbia and South African harmonies
Kathryn Tickell presents a rich selection of new folk and roots-based music from around the world, alongside a look at some exciting live shows coming to the UK over the next month. In the mix, a return to their early days of songwriting around a desert campfire for Tuareg elders Tinariwen, and spiritual choral music from South Africa’s Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Plus, an exclusive first play on a new track from two experimental Latin music veterans, Colombian cumbia innovator Meridian Brothers and Mexican Institute of Sound, whose latest album captures the spirit of 1970s Mexico, a time when music felt “exciting and strange”.
Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3
To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Planet.'
SAT 22:30 New Music Show (m002v8c3)
Héloïse Werner's Listen List
Kate Molleson talks to soprano and composer Héloïse Werner about her Listen List, music she's listening to at present. We have more from the New Music Show's exclusive recordings of this year's Eavesdropping Festival at London's Café Oto, with music by Jennifer Torrence and Lucy Humphris. And we hear the latest new music releases, including music to mark the anniversary of Portugal's 1974 Carnation Revolution.
SUNDAY 26 APRIL 2026
SUN 00:30 Through the Night (m002v8c5)
Wagner, Liszt and Mendelssohn from Geneva
Pianist Alexei Volodin joins the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and conductor Pablo Heras-Casado in Liszt's Piano Concerto No 1, plus works by Liszt and Mendelssohn's 'Reformation' Symphony. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Prelude to 'Parsifal'
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor)
12:44 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Piano Concerto no 1 in E flat S. 124
Alexei Volodin (piano), Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor)
01:03 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Das Wandern, from 'Müllerlieder von Franz Schubert, S. 565'
Alexei Volodin (piano)
01:05 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Prelude and Good Friday Music, from Act 3 of 'Parsifal'
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor)
01:15 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Symphony no 5 in D minor, op 107 'Reformation'
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Pablo Heras-Casado (conductor)
01:43 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883), Marcin Zdunik (arr.), Mathilde Wesendonck (author)
Im Treibhaus (Wesendonck-Lieder)
Agata Zubel (soprano), Warsaw Cellonet Group, Andrzej Bauer (director)
01:49 AM
Henryk Wieniawski (1835-1880)
Legende for violin and piano, Op 17
Slawomir Tomasik (violin), Izabela Tomasik (piano)
01:57 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
String Octet in E flat major, Op 20
Leonidas Kavakos (violin), Per Kristian Skalstad (violin), Frode Larsen (violin), Tor Johan Bøen (violin), Lars Anders Tomter (viola), Catherine Bullock (viola), Øystein Sonstad (cello), Ernst Simon Glaser (cello)
02:31 AM
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Suite from "Les Indes galantes"
Neue Düsseldorfer Hofmusik, Mary Utiger (director)
03:04 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op 115
Annelien Van Wauwe (clarinet), Quatuor Van Kuijk
03:41 AM
Thomas Tallis (1505-1585)
Loquebantur variis linguis for 7 voices
BBC Singers, Bo Holten (director)
03:46 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Nocturne in D flat major, Op 27 no 2
Zbigniew Raubo (piano)
03:53 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Two Dances for Harp and Strings
Joel von Lerber (harp), Berner Kammerorchester, Philippe Bach (conductor)
04:03 AM
David Popper (1843-1913)
Concert Polonaise, Op 14
Tomasz Daroch (cello), Maria Daroch (piano)
04:09 AM
Jean-Baptiste Quinault (1687-1745)
Overture and Dances - from the Comedy 'Le Nouveau Monde' (1723)
L'ensemble Arion
04:18 AM
Philippe Gaubert (1879-1941)
Tarantelle for flute, oboe and piano
Andrea Kollé (flute), Silvia Zabarella (oboe), Alexander Boeschoten (piano)
04:23 AM
Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872), Zygmunt Noskowski (orch.)
Polonaise in E flat major
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Katlewicz (conductor)
04:31 AM
Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762)
Concerto Grosso in G minor
Andrew Manze (violin), Academy of Ancient Music, Andrew Manze (director)
04:39 AM
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
5 Esquisses for piano, Op 114
Raija Kerppo (piano)
04:48 AM
Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594)
Stabat Mater
Camerata Silesia - Katowice City Singers, Anna Szostak (director)
04:58 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Piano Trio in E flat major, D.897 'Notturno'
Vadim Repin (violin), Jan-Erik Gustafsson (cello), Leif Ove Andsnes (piano)
05:07 AM
Franz Xaver Sterkel (1750-1817)
Duet no 2 for 2 violas
Milan Telecky (viola), Zuzana Jarabakova (viola)
05:16 AM
Jean Coulthard (1908-2000), Michael Conway Baker (orch.)
Four Irish Songs
Linda Maguire (soprano), CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)
05:26 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Symphonische Etuden Op.13 for piano
Jayson Gillham (piano)
05:57 AM
Petko Stainov (1896-1977), Trifon Kunev (lyricist)
A fir tree is bending
Vassil Arnaudov Sofia Chamber Choir, Theodora Pavlovitch (conductor)
06:01 AM
Louis Spohr (1784-1859)
Nonet in F major, Op 31
Kyoko Ogawa (violin), Anne Sophie Van Riel (viola), Alexander Arai-Swale (double bass), Hyunjung Song (oboe), Carlotta Brendel (bassoon), Zuzanna Szambelan (cello), Ronja Macholdt (flute), Astrid den Daas (clarinet), Pauline Zahno (horn)
SUN 06:30 Breakfast (m002v8dv)
Start your day with classical music
Mark Forrest presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
SUN 09:00 Sunday Morning (m002v8dx)
Three hours of classical sparkle
This week, Sarah Walker weaves together a playlist that sets up a musical adventure spanning landscapes in central Asia, Rome and Czechia - via a pitstop in a blacksmith's smithy.
Sarah also heads off to Iceland for this week’s Choral Reflection with music by Anna Thorvaldsdottir, sung by the Schola Cantorum Reykjavicensis.
There’s also music by the astronomer-composer William Herschel, expressive piano music from Dora Pejačević, a movement from Mozart’s elegant Concerto for Flute and Harp, while Respighi’s Pines of Rome provides a vivid orchestral centrepiece.
Also, with thousands of runners pounding the streets of central London for today’s marathon, Sarah laces up her musical trainers…
A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3.
SUN 12:00 Private Passions (m002v8dz)
Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu, chemist
Professor Dame Ijeoma Uchegbu has dedicated her career to studying nanoparticles, finding ways to carry medicines to parts of the body that are notoriously hard to reach, such as the back of the eye and the brain, while causing fewer side-effects.
She’s Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanoscience at University College London, President of Wolfson College Cambridge and was appointed a DBE in the King’s New Years Honours List last year.
She’s also written a book called Chain Reaction: the Wondrous Chemistry of Everyday Life, in which she blends explanations of the science that surrounds us with moments of personal memoir.
Ijeoma's music list includes Mozart, Vivaldi, Bach and Johann Strauss.
Presenter Michael Berkeley
Producer Clare Walker
SUN 13:30 Music Map (m002v8f1)
Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor
Sara Mohr-Pietsch surveys the musical landscape surrounding JS Bach's iconic Toccata and Fugue BWV 565. This keyboard tour-de-force is instantly recognisable: ask anyone to think of a piece for organ and they'll instantly recite those opening notes. But the work had to be rescued from obscurity, first by the great Bach revivalist Mendelssohn, then in the twentieth century by Stokowski with his classic reworking for Walt Disney's Fantasia. Sara also follows a path alongside some of the other great pieces for this monumental instrument, including music by Widor and an arrangement of Meredith Monk by James McVinnie. And an astonishing performance by violinist Rachel Podger gets Sara asking whether the Toccata and Fugue was even written for the organ.
To listen to this programme on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map'.
SUN 15:00 Music Matters (m0020ybb)
Music on the Front Line
Paul Conroy
Clive Myrie is in conversation with news correspondents about the music they’ve heard whilst reporting from the front line. With his own extensive experience of covering wars and conflicts, and his personal love of opera and jazz, Clive and Paul Conroy share stories to reveal something of the power and significance of music when working in extreme conflict situations.
Paul was an award-winning photojournalist who worked extensively in combat zones such as the Balkans, the Middle East, and Libya. He worked alongside Sunday Times war correspondent Marie Colvin. His many musical memories whilst working include hearing Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis whilst filming the Kosovo border exodus. Having Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre in his head whilst smuggling himself from Budapest into Belgrade under a bus when NATO where bombing Serbia. He listened to Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherezade on a loop during the Iraq invasion. And during an illegal nighttime border crossing with Marie Colvin and the Free Syrian Army, he remembers having Grieg’s In The Hall Of The Mountain King from Peer Gynt Suite rattling through his brain as they tiptoed through land mines.
Paul died on 28th February 2026.
Producer: Rosie Boulton
A Must Try Softer Production
SUN 16:00 Jazz Record Requests (m002v8f3)
Cheltenham Jazz Special
Alyn Shipton presents jazz records of all styles as requested by you and looks ahead to this year's Cheltenham Jazz Festival with a selection of special guest requesters including Courtney Pine, Georgia Cecile, Kim Cypher and Yazz Ahmed.
Join our community of jazz lovers. Alyn Shipton is waiting for your requests: email jrr@bbc.co.uk or use #jazzrecordrequests on social.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Jazz Record Requests”.
SUN 17:00 The Early Music Show (m002v8f5)
A plague on both your houses
Hannah French is joined by conductor Jeremy Summerly to explore music associated with the plague - pieces that responded to great suffering and loss, and composers who succumbed to outbreaks of pestilence, including Robert White, Francisco Guerrero, Jacob Obrecht and Alessandro Grandi.
To listen to this programme using most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play The Early Music Show."
SUN 18:00 Choral Evensong (m002tynz)
Selwyn College, Cambridge.
Last Wednesday's service from the Chapel of Selwyn College, Cambridge.
Introit: Now the green blade riseth (Trad French, arr. Sarah MacDonald)
Responses: Paul Spicer (Set 2)
Psalms 108, 109 (Bairstow, MacPherson)
First Lesson: Genesis 3 vv8-21
Canticles: Wood in D
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15 vv12-28
Anthem: Easter Victory: The strife is o’er (Tamsin Jones)
Hymn: Ye sons and daughters of the King (O filii et filiae)
Voluntary: Variations on an Easter Theme (John Rutter)
Sarah MacDonald (Director of Music)
Shanna Hart (Assistant Organist)
Kim Chin (Organ Scholar)
To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.
SUN 19:00 Sunday Feature (m002v8f7)
Afterwords: Elgar Howarth
One of the five musicians who constituted the 'Manchester School' in the 1950s (with composers Harrison Birtwistle, Alexander Goehr and Peter Maxwell Davies, and pianist John Ogdon), Elgar - or, widely, Gary - Howarth was a distinguished trumpet player with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and, notably, the Philip Jones Brass Ensemble before becoming a hugely respected conductor, composer and arranger.
Musical colleagues together with his son Patrick reflect on Gary's humble origins and international achievements, interwoven with extracts from the BBC Sound Archive. With Gillian Moore, formerly of the London Sinfonietta, trumpet player Paul Archibald, trombonist David Purser, oboe player Melinda Maxwell, former Musical Director of Grimethorpe Colliery Band Garry Cutt and the broadcaster and also former conductor of Grimethorpe Frank Renton.
Producer by Alan Hall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 3
SUN 19:45 Words and Music (m002v8f9)
Just Williams
Actors William Gaminara and Rose Williams bring us an array of characters called Bill or William; and writing from William Boyd’s spy novel Restless, to American poet Billy Collins’ poem The Best Cigarette, Wordsworth and Blake to Will Harris and Richmal Crompton’s “Just William”.
Musically, we move from the folk song about Barbara Allen and Sweet William to Nat King Cole’s version of Sweet William, through Roderick Williams’s re-arrangement of William Byrd’s Ave Verum Corpus to William Grant Still’s Prayer from his Symphony no 3. and Grace Williams’s Calm Sea in Summer, Harry Gregson-Williams’s music for Chicken Run to American jazz pianist Mary Lou Williams's Walkin’ and Swingin’.
Producer: Simon Funnell
Editor: Robyn Read
Readings:
Shakespeare Richard III
Billy Collins The Best Cigarette
Richmal Crompton Just William
CK Williams Peggy
William Boyd Restless
William Wordsworth By the Sea
William Carlos Williams Love Song
Barbara Allen
William Fiennes The Music Room
Will Harris Brother
William Blake The Garden of Love
William Shakespeare Twelfth Night
SUN 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m002lb5c)
Erland Cooper: Series 5
The grounding sounds of nature ft. Cosmo Sheldrake
Ground yourself… In this episode, Scottish composer Erland Cooper invites you to place your ear to the soil and dig deep with a selection of reflective music that celebrates our connection with the world around us. He reflects on one of his own projects that involved burying a tape deep in the peaty earth of Orkney, and shares pieces that honour nature from the field recordings of Alice Boyd and the RSPB, to the folk songs of Sam Lee and Trans Voices.
Also, we’re transported to the musical safe haven of another ecologically minded musician, Cosmo Sheldrake. Cosmo’s own music platforms environmental issues and the entangled nature of our world, and for his safe haven selects a recording of forest singing that always brings him calm.
Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production
SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m002v8fc)
Music for the still of night
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
SUN 23:30 Unclassified (m002v8ff)
Borderless blends
Join Elizabeth Alker with a selection of fresh music from genre-defying artists as we journey through landscapes of ambient and experimental sounds. We’ll hear an ‘undefinable’ medley of sounds; from Saxophonist Alabaster DePlume's expressive and mysterious new project to the marching rhythm and deftly layered samples of choral singing on the latest from Tara Clerkin Trio. Elsewhere, there's tactile and meditatively repetitive soundscapes from Berlin’s Jungstötter and haunting euphonies inspired by crop circles, clairvoyants and standing stones from Bath's Jody Prewett.
Produced by Alex Yates
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3
To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Unclassified”.
MONDAY 27 APRIL 2026
MON 00:30 Through the Night (m002v8fh)
Bach's Secular Cantatas
The Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists perform two of Bach's secular cantatas, one telling of a contest between Phoebus and Pan and the second of a contented Aeolus, god of the wind. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Christian Friedrich Henrici (librettist)
Geschwinde, geschwinde, ihr wirbelnden Winde, BWV.201
Sophie Junker (soprano), Kacper Szelążek (counter tenor), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Mark Milhofer (tenor), Andreas Wolf (bass), Sreten Manojlović (bass), Adrià Gràcia Gàlvez (organ), Quito Gato (lute), Rodney Prada (viola da gamba), Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Leonardo García-Alarcón (conductor)
01:18 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Christian Friedrich Henrici (librettist)
Zerreißet, zersprenget, zertrümmert die Gruft, BWV. 205
Sophie Junker (soprano), Kacper Szelążek (counter tenor), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Mark Milhofer (tenor), Andreas Wolf (bass), Sreten Manojlović (bass), Adrià Gràcia Gàlvez (organ), Quito Gato (lute), Rodney Prada (viola da gamba), Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Leonardo García-Alarcón (conductor)
02:00 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Unser trefflicher, from Mer hahn en neue Oberkeet, BWV. 212 (encore)
Sophie Junker (soprano), Kacper Szelążek (counter tenor), Laurence Kilsby (tenor), Mark Milhofer (tenor), Andreas Wolf (bass), Sreten Manojlović (bass), Quito Gato (guitar), Rodney Prada (viola da gamba), Adrià Gràcia Gàlvez (organ), Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Leonardo García-Alarcón (conductor)
02:04 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Symphony in E flat, Wq 179
Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin
02:17 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Contrapunctus 1 from Die Kunst der Fuge (BWV.1080)
Balázs Fülei (piano)
02:21 AM
Johann Christian Bach (1735-1782)
Quintet for flute, oboe, violin, viola & basso continuo in G major, Op 11 no 2
Les Adieux
02:31 AM
Sergey Prokofiev (1891-1953)
Sonata for piano no 7 in B flat major, Op 83
Khatia Buniatishvili (piano)
02:50 AM
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826)
Clarinet Concerto no 2 in E flat major, Op 74
Kari Kriikku (clarinet), Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Sakari Oramo (conductor)
03:12 AM
Gerald Finzi (1901-1956)
O Fair to See, Op 13b
Helen Charlston (mezzo soprano), Joseph Middleton (piano)
03:30 AM
Florence Price (1887-1953)
Concert Overture no 2
BBC Concert Orchestra, Jane Glover (conductor)
03:46 AM
Isabella Leonarda (1620-1704)
Sonata Prima a 4 (Opera Decima Sesta)
Maniera
03:56 AM
Claudin De Sermisy (c.1490-1562)
5 Chansons
Ensemble Clément Janequin
04:06 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Variations serieuses in D minor, Op 54
Sylviane Deferne (piano)
04:17 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Adagio and fugue for strings in C minor, K.546
Risør Festival Strings
04:25 AM
James MacMillan (b.1959)
O Radiant Dawn
BBC Singers, Andrew Litton (conductor)
04:31 AM
Otto Nicolai (1810-1849)
Overture, The Merry Wives of Windsor
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Łukasz Borowicz (conductor)
04:40 AM
Ton Bruynèl (1934-1998)
Serene for flute solo
Harrie Starreveld (flute)
04:46 AM
Hildegard von Bingen (1098-1179)
Ave Generosa
Orpheus Women's Choir, Albert Wissink (director)
04:52 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
3 Fantasy Pieces, Op 73
Alec Frank-Gemmill (horn), Simon Smith (piano)
05:04 AM
Hugo Wolf (1860-1903)
Italian Serenade in G major for string quartet, Op 120
Kyoko Ogawa (violin), Clara Mesplé (violin), Anne Sophie Van Riel (viola), Zuzanna Szambelan (cello)
05:11 AM
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Five works
Anders J. Dahlin (tenor), Les Ambassadeurs, Alexis Kossenko (director)
05:24 AM
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Concerto in D minor for 2 pianos
Katia Labèque (piano), Marielle Labèque (piano), Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo, Georges Prêtre (conductor)
05:46 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Symphony No.64 in A major "Tempora mutantur"
Budapest Strings, Károly Botvay (conductor)
06:03 AM
Valborg Aulin (1860-1928)
String Quartet in F major
Tale String Quartet
MON 06:30 Breakfast (m002vccv)
Brighten your day with classical music
Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
MON 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vccx)
A classical soundtrack for your morning
Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.
1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.
1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.
1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.
1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.
To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.
MON 13:00 Classical Live (m002vccz)
Consone Quartet live from London's Wigmore Hall
Linton Stephens brings you an afternoon of exclusive music-making, including a live concert from London's Wigmore Hall. Formed at the Royal College of Music in 2015, the Consone Quartet became the first period-instrument string quartet to join Radio 3’s New Generation Artists scheme. Today’s lunchtime concert opens with an exquisite arrangement of Clara Schumann’s Romances, three miniatures that form a captivating preface to the lyrical outpourings of Schubert’s much-loved ‘Rosamunde’ Quartet.
Elsewhere in the programme, a week-long focus begins on Leipzig, a pivotal centre in Western classical music. The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra perform two works - Bach's celebratory cantata ‘Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!‘ and Honegger's Symphony for String Orchestra and Trumpet. There is also chamber music from the current BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists. Our pick of some today’s outstanding young international Artists. The flautist Elizaveta Ivanova plays Donizetti, pianist Julius Asal performs Bartok and cellist Sterling Elliott plays Vincent D’Indy. Across the week, there is also a spotlight on music composed for the bassoon. Today Mozart's Bassoon Concerto is played by Jane Gower.
Live from Wigmore Hall and presented by Petroc Trelawny
Clara Schumann (arr. Amy Tress)
3 Romances Op. 22
Franz Schubert
String Quartet No. 13 in A minor D. 804 'Rosamunde'
Consone Quartet
***
Johann Sebastian Bach
Cantata 214 – ‘Tönet, ihr Pauken! Erschallet, Trompeten!‘, BWV. 214
Elisabeth Breuer (soprano)
Alex Potter (countertenor)
Manuel Walser (bass)
Benedikt Kristjansson (tenor)
St Thomas' Choir, Leipzig
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Johannes Lang, organ (continuo)
Andreas Reize (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Gaetano Donizetti
Sonata in C
Elizaveta Ivanova (flute)
Sanja Bizjak (piano)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Bela Bartok
3 Burlesques Sz.47, Op 8.
Julius Asal (piano)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Vincent D’Indy
Lied Op.19 (1884)
Sterling Elliott (cello)
Richard Uttley (piano)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Bassoon Concerto in B flat, K. 191
Jane Gower (bassoon)
Concerto Copenhagen
Lars Ulrik Mortensen (conductor)
Arthur Honegger (1892-1955)
Symphony for String Orchestra and Trumpet, H. 153
Jonathan Müller (trumpet)
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Jakub Hrůša (conductor)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".
MON 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vcd1)
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
It takes a village
Donald Macleod explores Saint‑Saëns's childhood in Paris, discovering the piano one note at a time and finding music in the quiet corners of daily life. Today, he follows the young composer through the early encouragements, concertgoing, and first encounters with the wider musical world that start to steer his ambitions. It’s the beginning of a journey that quickly gathers pace, from a curious boy at the keyboard to a teenager finding his footing as both performer and creator.
Danse macabre, Op. 40
Michael Matthes, organ
Lyon National Orchestra
Emmanuel Krivine, conductor
Calme des nuits (Deux Chœurs, Op. 68 No. 1)
Radio Svizzera Choir
Diego Fasolis, conductor
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75 – I. Allegro agitato – Adagio
Fanny Clamagirand, violin
Vanya Cohen, piano
Violin Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 75 – I. Allegro agitato – Adagio
Fanny Clamagirand, violin
Vanya Cohen, piano
Oratorio de Noël, Op. 12 – Movements 1-4
Britt‑Marie Aruhn, soprano
Erland Hagegård, tenor
Ulf Lundmark, bass
The Mikaeli Chamber Choir
Royal Opera Orchestra
Anders Eby, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West
MON 17:00 In Tune (m002vcd3)
Robert Ames and members of the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble in studio
Petroc Trelawny presents live music by bassoonist Andres Yauri and other members of the Chineke! Chamber Ensemble, ahead of their performance at Wigmore Hall in London on 04/05. He also welcomes conductor Robert Ames to the studio, and they discuss Robert leading the BBC Concert Orchestra in the Prog Rock PROM this summer, touring the world with Anoushka Shankar, and his upcoming engagements with the London Contemporary Orchestra, including Unnatural harmony: Sounds of Lee Alexander McQueen at London's Royal Festival Hall on 29 & 30/04.
MON 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002gdx4)
Your daily classical soundtrack
30 minutes of back to back classical music to help you wind down at the end of a busy day. Today's eclectic mix begins with a poignant theme from The Gadfly, performed by the cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Amy Woodforde-Finden's romantic Kashmiri song and an Adagio by André Caplet sit alongside a wistful piano miniature by Mompou, and the evocative "Hymn for the Fallen" by John Williams, from his memorable score for the film "Saving Private Ryan". William Walton's music for Henry V, a French 18th century sonata, and an attractive Dusk Waltz by Cecil Armstrong-Gibbs complete the musical journey.
Producer: Helen Garrison
MON 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vcd7)
Nicola Benedetti plays Elgar
Superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Philharmonia in Elgar’s tempestuous and tender Violin Concerto, followed by an all-French second half with music by Chaminade and Debussy.
Recorded on the 19th April at the Royal Festival Hall, presented by Ian Skelly
Elgar Violin Concerto
Interval
Chaminade Callirhoë Suite
Debussy La Mer
Nicola Benedetti (violin)
Philharmonia
Cristian Măcelaru (conductor)
Superstar violinist Nicola Benedetti joins the Philharmonia in Elgar’s tempestuous and tender Violin Concerto.
Nicola Benedetti is one of the best-loved violin soloists of our time and a regular and popular collaborator with the Philharmonia. Her chart-topping recording of this formidable work was praised for ‘a sure sense of direction and lots of heart’ (The Guardian) – an accurate description of Benedetti’s approach to everything she does.
Debussy’s La Mer was inspired by the paintings of Turner and Hokusai, and of course the sea itself – ‘my old friend, the sea… always endless and beautiful.’ In three evocative movements the composer described as ‘symphonic sketches’, the orchestra, with added sparkle from harps and percussion, conjures up the movement of wind and waves.
To complete this programme full of poetry and invention, conductor Cristian Măcelaru has chosen the suite from Cécile Chaminade’s 1888 ballet Callirhoë. It’s a beguiling introduction to her music for the Philharmonia’s players and listeners alike.
MON 21:45 The Essay (m002vcd9)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
Enter Ghost
Historian Jerry Brotton presents a 10-part exploration into the life and work of the Elizabethan playwright Christopher ‘Kit’ Marlowe. Notorious for his violent death in a brawl in Deptford on the banks of the Thames, there’s perennial interest in Marlowe’s writing, his sexuality, his relationship with Shakespeare, the suspicion that he was a spy and the big “what-if” he had lived longer and produced even greater work. As the artistic co-director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, Daniel Evans says in the first programme – if things had been different, might he himself be working for the “Royal Marlowe Company”?
Step-by-step, Jerry Brotton traces Kit Marlowe’s life and career, takes us through his key plays including Tamburlaine, Dr Faustus and Edward II, examines why they resonate with us now and talks to those today who are still fascinated by Kit’s legacy and influence.
As Tamburlaine took the Elizabethan stage by storm, everyone wanted to work with Kit Marlowe. He began collaborating with another talented young playwright with somewhat less of an explosive reputation: William Shakespeare. Jerry Brotton reveals the enduring influence of Marlowe on Shakespeare, how they seem to have collaborated on Henry VI, and assesses the relationship between the two dramatists.
With Celia Gilbert; James Shapiro; Rory Loughnane; Stephen Greenblatt; James Shapiro; Emma Smith and Daniel Evans.
Written and presented by Professor Jerry Brotton
Produced by Melissa FitzGerald
Christopher Marlowe read by Justice Ritchie
Other voices read by Tonderai Munyevu
Sound design by Tony Churnside
A Zinc Audio Production
MON 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vcdc)
Immersive music for after-hours
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
MON 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002vcdf)
Rosa Brunello’s Flowers
From Monday to Thursday this week, Soweto is joined by Italian bassist Rosa Brunello. Her music blends jazz, dub, free improvisation, electric rock, and more, and she has worked and performed with artists across the globe including Dee Dee Bridgewater, Yazz Ahmed, and Maurice Louca. Her new album, “We Are Surging Waters”, releases on the 6th of May.
Rosa is giving Flowers to some of the artists who are still with us and who she is inspired by. To start her week, Rosa chooses a legendary vocalist and friend of the show.
Also in the programme, there is music from New Jazz Underground, Pat Thomas, and Rebecca Wing.
‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".
TUESDAY 28 APRIL 2026
TUE 00:30 Through the Night (m002vcdh)
Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 3
Fabian Müller plays Beethoven's third piano concerto with the German Symphony Orchestra, Berlin. The programme also contains Emilie Mayer's Overture to Faust and Beethoven's Symphony no 2. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Leonore Overture no 3, Op 72b
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
12:45 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Concerto no 3 in C minor, Op 37
Fabian Müller (piano), Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
01:20 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Wiegenlied - Lullaby, Op 49 no 4 (encore)
Fabian Müller (piano)
01:22 AM
Emilie Mayer (1812-1883)
Overture to Faust, Op 46
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
01:32 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony no 2 in D major, Op 36
Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
02:04 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Violin Sonata in D major, Op 12 no 1
David Nebel (violin), Giorgi Iuldashevi (piano)
02:23 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Heinrich Heine (author)
Meerfahrt, Op 96 no 4
Kevin McMillan (baritone), Michael McMahon (piano)
02:26 AM
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
Rondino on a theme by Beethoven
Taik-Ju Lee (violin), Young-Lan Han (piano)
02:31 AM
Dobrinka Tabakova (b.1980)
Such Different Paths
Hugo Ticciati (violin), Thomas Reif (violin), Hana Hobiger (viola), Gregor Hrabar (viola), Alessio Pianelli (cello), Ruiko Matsumoto (cello)
02:48 AM
Johannes Ockeghem (1410-1497)
Missa prolationum
Hilliard Ensemble, Paul Hillier (director)
03:22 AM
Maya Le Roux-Obradovic
Ballade de la vallée magique
Maya Le Roux-Obradovic (guitar), Sinfonietta Belgrade, Aleksandar Vujic (conductor)
03:38 AM
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
Symphony of Psalms
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw Choir, Colin Davis (conductor)
03:59 AM
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Piano Quartet in A minor
Marianna Shirinyan (piano), Nevena Tochev (violin), Alessandro D'Amico (viola), Rafael Rosenfeld (cello)
04:11 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Recorder Sonata in D minor
Camerata Köln
04:20 AM
Jan Raas (b.1942)
Four Improvisaties
Jan Raas (organ)
04:26 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Lied eines Schiffers an die Dioskuren, D.360
Ilker Arcayürek (tenor), Simon Lepper (piano)
04:31 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883)
Rienzi Overture
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Mariss Jansons (conductor)
04:43 AM
William Lawes (1602-1645)
Suite a 4 in G minor
Concordia, Mark Levy (conductor)
04:50 AM
Ethel Smyth (1858-1944)
Concerto for Violin and Horn in A major - 1st mvt
Anna Agafia Egholm (violin), Tillmann Höfs (horn), Alice Burla (piano)
05:01 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Hebrides overture, Op 26
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Arvid Engegård (conductor)
05:12 AM
Brian Eno (b.1948), Julia Wolfe (arr.)
Music for Airports 1/2
Bang on a Can All-Stars, Wayne du Maine (trumpet), Tommy Hoyt (trumpet), Julie Josephson (trombone), Christopher Washburne (trombone), Wu Man (lute), Katie Geissinger (alto), Phyllis Jo Kubey (alto), Alexandra Montano (alto)
05:24 AM
Maria Antonia Walpurgis (Electress of Saxony) (1724-1780)
Talestri, Regina delle Amazzoni (excerpts)
Christine Wolff (soprano), Johanna Stojkovic (soprano), Marilia Vargas (soprano), Ulrike Bartsch (soprano), Batzdorfer Hofkapelle, Tobias Schade (harpsichord), Tobias Schade (director)
06:03 AM
Aulis Sallinen (b.1935)
Violin Concerto, Op 18
Okko Kamu (violin), Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Aulis Sallinen (conductor)
06:20 AM
Peter Maxwell Davies (1934-2016)
One star, at last
BBC Singers, Stephen Cleobury (conductor)
06:24 AM
Mikhail Glinka (1804-1857)
The Lark, from 'A Farewell to Saint Petersburg'
Kotaro Fukuma (piano)
TUE 06:30 Breakfast (m002vb7y)
Start the day on the right note with classical music
Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
TUE 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vb80)
The very best of classical music
Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.
1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.
1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.
1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.
1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.
To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.
TUE 13:00 Classical Live (m002vb82)
Boris Giltburg plays Bartók’s 3rd Piano Concerto from Leipzig
Linton Stephens brings you an afternoon of exclusive music-making, including a week-long focus on Leipzig, a pivotal centre in Western classical music. The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra perform Lili Boulanger's orchestral depiction of ‘A Morning in Spring’, and pianist Boris Giltburg joins the orchestra to play Béla Bartók's virtuoso 3rd Piano Concerto. There is also a performance of Sergei Taneyev's rarely programmed choral cantata John of Damascus, inspired by the religious writings of Tolstoy and performed by the MDR Radio Chorus and Orchestra, Leipzig.
Elsewhere in the programme, exclusive studio and concert recordings from BBC Radio 3’s current selection of New Generation Artists. Cellist Sterling Elliott performs Perrault, and flautist Elizaveta Ivanova plays Faure.
And more music foregrounding the bassoon. Today’s choice is Poulenc's Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano in a performance given by oboist Albrecht Mayer, bassoonist Václav Vonásek and pianist Robert Kolinsky
Lili Boulanger
D'un matin de printemps
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Alan Gilbert (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Jean R. Perrault
Brother Malcom
Sterling Elliott (cello)
Richard Uttley (piano)
Béla Bartók
Piano Concerto No. 3 in E
Boris Giltburg (piano)
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Vasily Petrenko (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Gabriel Faure
Fantasie Op. 79
Elizaveta Ivanova (flute)
Sanja Bizjak (piano)
Francis Poulenc
Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano, FP 43
Albrecht Mayer (oboe)
Václav Vonásek (bassoon)
Robert Kolinsky (piano)
Sergei Taneyev
John of Damascus, cantata, Op. 1
MDR Radio Chorus, Leipzig
Pavel Brochin (chorus director)
MDR Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leipzig
Keri-Lynn Wilson (conductor)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live"
TUE 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vb84)
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
To the salon!
Donald Macleod follows Saint‑Saëns into the world of the Paris salons, where a young composer begins to find his footing among patrons, performers and new musical alliances. Today, he traces Saint‑Saëns’s early years as an organist, the first stirrings of public recognition and the encounters that drew him into the rooms where reputations were made.
Henry VIII – Danse de la gypsy
Razumovsky Symphony Orchestra
Andrew Mogrelia, conductor
Symphony No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 2 – I. Adagio. Allegro; II. Marche‑Scherzo
Orchestre National de France
Cristian Măcelaru, conductor
Tarantelle in A minor, Op. 6
Anthony McGill, clarinet
Demarre McGill, flute
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra
Allen Tinkham, conductor
Saint‑Saëns: Piano Quintet in A minor, Op. 14 – I. Allegro moderato e maestoso
Fine Arts Quartet
Cristina Ortiz, piano
Saint‑Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 1 in A major, Op. 20
Ruggiero Ricci, violin
Luxemburg Radio Symphony Orchestra
Pierre Cao, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.
TUE 17:00 In Tune (m002vb86)
Camilla George performs live with Renato Paris
Petroc Trelawny presents saxophonist Camilla George, who preforms live with singer and pianist Renato Paris ahead of her appearance at Cheltenham Jazz Festival on 03/05. He also discusses the Winchester Chamber Music Festival (01 - 04/05) with Artistic Director and cellist Kate Gould.
Master of the King's Music Errollyn Wallen, also speaks to Petroc about her brand new opera, A Christmas Miracle. The opera's inspired by a community opera that Benjamin Britten started based on the Christmas story, but never finished. Errollyn's opera is set to receive its world premiere later this year.
TUE 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vcd5)
Half an hour of the finest classical music
Back to back classical music to help you unwind at the end of a busy day, beginning with an enchanting waltz by John Rutter, a lonely piper as depicted by Margaret Hubicki, and a lyrical concerto grosso movement by Corelli. Rebecca Dale's ethereal setting of Wordsworth's iconic tribute to daffodils - "I wandered lonely as a cloud" and Max Bruch's poignant quintet for strings capture the seasonal moment, and imagination takes flight in Amy Beach's "Romance", Ennio Morricone's wistful portrayal of "Gabriel's Oboe" from the 1986 movie The Mission, and Frank Bridge's luminous tone poem picturing moonlight over the sea.
Producer: Helen Garrison
TUE 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vb8b)
Eric Lu plays Chopin and Schubert
Eric Lu won the First Prize and coveted Gold Medal at the 2025 International Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, becoming the first American since 1970 to receive the top honour. Tonight, he performs some of the most beloved piano works of Schubert and Chopin.
Franz Schubert: 4 Impromptus D935 Op. 142: Nos 1, 2 & 4
Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No 4 in F minor, Op. 52
Interval
Frédéric Chopin: Polonaise in B Flat Major, Op. 71 No. 2
Frédéric Chopin: Nocturne in C sharp minor, Op. 27 No. 1
Frédéric Chopin: Sonata No.3 in B minor, Op. 58
Recorded on 18th April at the Barbican in London, and presented by Petroc Trelawny.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".
TUE 21:45 The Essay (m002vb8d)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
His Dark Arts
Historian Jerry Brotton presents a 10-part exploration into the life and work of the Elizabethan playwright Christopher ‘Kit’ Marlowe. Notorious for his violent death in a brawl in Deptford on the banks of the Thames, there’s perennial interest in Marlowe’s writing, his sexuality, his relationship with Shakespeare, the suspicion that he was a spy and the big “what-if” he had lived longer and produced even greater work.
Step-by-step, Jerry Brotton traces Kit Marlowe’s life and career, takes us through his key plays including Tamburlaine, Dr Faustus and Edward II, examines why they resonate with us now and talks to those today who are still fascinated by Kit’s legacy and influence.
With Dr Faustus, Kit Marlowe pushed the boundaries of what was permissible for Elizabethan drama and its writers even further. In a play that has resonated with scholars and intellectuals ever since, Faustus sells his soul in a pact with the devil for success and knowledge, and for what? Can we know too much, asks Marlowe? And is the fate of Faustus, dragged down to hell, an ominous foretelling of Marlowe’s own demise?
With Chris Bush; Lucy Munro; Charles Nicholl; Emma Smith and Stephen Greenblatt.
Written and presented by Professor Jerry Brotton
Produced by Melissa FitzGerald
Christopher Marlowe read by Justice Ritchie
Other voices read by Tonderai Munyevu
Sound design by Tony Churnside
A Zinc Audio Production
TUE 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vb8g)
Reflective music for the day’s end
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
TUE 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002vb8l)
Fresh from Sophie Alour
Tonight, bassist Rosa Brunello returns with another artist that she would like to celebrate for Flowers. This time, she gives a collective bouquet to an exploratory bass and guitar duo.
Plus music from Blue Lu Barker, Tom Misch with Kaidi Akinnibi, and Kevin Figes.
‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".
WEDNESDAY 29 APRIL 2026
WED 00:30 Through the Night (m002vb8q)
Beethoven and Berlioz from Romania
Berlioz's Symphonie fantastique and Beethoven's 'Pastoral' Symphony are performed in Bucharest by the Romanian Radio National Orchestra, conducted by John Axelrod. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony no 6 in F major, Op 68 'Pastoral'
Romanian Radio National Orchestra, John Axelrod (conductor)
01:12 AM
Hector Berlioz (1803-1869)
Symphonie fantastique, Op 14
Romanian Radio National Orchestra, John Axelrod (conductor)
02:05 AM
Hector Berlioz (1803-1869), Franz Liszt (transc.)
Danse des sylphes (S.475) transc. for piano from "La Damnation de Faust"
Wanda Landowska (piano)
02:10 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
String Quartet in G major, Op 76 no 1
Vertavo Quartet
02:31 AM
Biagio Marini (c.1594-1663),Stefano Landi (1587-1639),Alessandro Piccinini (1566-c.1638),Sigismondo d'India (c.1582-1629),Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643),Giovanni Maria Trabaci (1575-1647),Jacopo Peri (1561-1633),Andrea Falconieri (c.1585-1656)
Works by Marini, Landi, Piccinini, d'India, Monteverdi, Trabaci, Peri, etc
Stylus Phantasticus
03:05 AM
Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
Eight Poems of Emily Dickinson
Ema Nikolovska (mezzo soprano), Ulster Orchestra, Jac van Steen (conductor)
03:27 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Impromptu in G flat major, D.899
Schaghajegh Nosrati (piano)
03:34 AM
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Serenade no 2 in G minor for violin & orchestra, Op 69b
Judy Kang (violin), Orchestre Symphonique de Laval
03:43 AM
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)
Jauchzet Gott, alle Lande - motet for double chorus & bc
Cantus Cölln, Konrad Junghänel (director)
03:50 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Symphony no 23 in D major, K.181
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Marko Munih (conductor)
04:02 AM
Willy Hess (1906-1997)
Suite in B flat major for piano solo, Op 45
Desmond Wright (piano)
04:12 AM
Joaquin Nin (1879-1949)
Seguida Espanola
Henry-David Varema (cello), Heiki Mätlik (guitar)
04:21 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Overture in D major 'in the Italian style', D.590
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Paul McCreesh (conductor)
04:31 AM
Alonso Mudarra (c.1510-1580)
Claros y frescos rios
Montserrat Figueras (soprano), Hesperion XX, Jordi Savall (director)
04:36 AM
John Bull (c.1562-1628)
Why ask you? for keyboard
Colin Tilney (harpsichord)
04:41 AM
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826), Gregor Piatigorsky (arr.)
Adagio and rondo, J115
Dominik Plocinski (cello), Paul Arendt (piano)
04:47 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Overture Domov muj , Op 62
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Marián Vach (conductor)
04:58 AM
Jan van Landeghem (b.1954)
Small Chorale Partita for Small Organ on 'Ruk open Heer, de Hemelpoort'
Kamiel d'Hooghe (organ)
05:06 AM
Johann David Heinichen (1683-1729)
Clori e Tirsi: cantata ("Se mai, Tirsi, mio bene")
Nancy Argenta (soprano), Nigel Short (counter tenor), Cappella Coloniensis, Hans-Martin Linde (conductor)
05:25 AM
Josef Suk (1949-2011)
Serenade for strings, Op 6
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, James Clark (conductor)
05:54 AM
Joaquín Rodrigo (1901-1999)
Concierto de Aranjuez for guitar and orchestra
Łukasz Kuropaczewski (guitar), Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, José Maria Florêncio (conductor)
06:17 AM
Clara Schumann (1819-1896)
Variations on a Theme of Robert Schumann, Op 20
Giorgi Gigashvili (piano)
WED 06:30 Breakfast (m002vcn5)
Rise and shine with classical music
Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
WED 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vcn7)
Relax into the day with classical
Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.
1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.
1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.
1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.
1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.
To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.
WED 13:00 Classical Live (m002vcn9)
Pierre-Laurent Aimard plays Ravel's Piano Concerto in G
Linton Stephens brings you an afternoon of exclusive music-making including a week-long focus on Leipzig, a pivotal centre in Western classical music. The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra perform sparkling music by Bach, the women of the MDR Radio Chorus, Leipzig join the Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra for choral music by Brahms, and the acclaimed French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard joins forces with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra to perform Ravel's evergreen G major Piano Concerto.
Elsewhere in the programme, exclusively recorded music from our current BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists - pianist Julius Asal, cellist Sterling Elliott and violinist Hana Chang. And the bassoon is in the spotlight this week. Today, a Vivaldi Concerto - for Two Violins, Two Oboes and Bassoon from Camerata Bern.
Johann Sebastian Bach
Sinfonia from Cantata 146: 'Wir müssen durch viel Trübsal’, BWV. 146
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Johannes Lang (organ)
Andreas Reize (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Johannes Brahms
Balladen Op. 10
Julius Asal (piano)
Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for Two Violins, Two Oboes and Bassoon in D, RV. 564
Camerata Bern
Sergio Azzolini (bassoon and conductor)
Johannes Brahms
Four Songs, Op. 17
Women of the MDR Radio Chorus, Leipzig
Frankfurt Radio Symphony Orchestra
Alain Altinoglu (conductor)
Maurice Ravel
Piano Concerto in G
Pierre-Laurent Aimard (piano)
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Petr Popelka (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Frederick Delius
Romance (1896)
Sterling Elliott (cello)
Richard Uttley (piano)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Johannes Brahms
Sonata no. 3 in D minor Op. 108
Hana Chang (violin)
Jonathan Ware (piano)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".
WED 15:00 Choral Evensong (m002vcnc)
Christ Church Cathedral. Oxford.
From Christ Church Cathedral. Oxford.
Introit: Dum transisset Sabbatum I (Taverner)
Responses: Byrd
Psalms 142, 143 (Turle, Ellis)
First Lesson: Genesis 2 vv4b-9
Office Hymn: Ad coenam Agni providi (Plainsong)
Magnificat primi toni a 8 (Palestrina)
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15 vv35-49
Nunc dimittis tertii toni (Victoria)
Anthem: Nisi dominus (Monteverdi)
Hymn: The strife is o'er, the battle done (Victory)
Voluntary: Praeludium in E, BuxWV 141 (Buxtehude)
Peter Holder (Director of Music)
Richard Moore (Sub-Organist)
To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.
WED 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vcnf)
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Love in the time of conquest
Donald Macleod finds Saint Saëns in a decade of growing commitments and shifting pressures. He explores the composer’s early life as a teacher, the emerging partnership with the young Fauré and the first steps towards the stage, all unfolding against a backdrop of rising political tension in Paris.
Album pour piano, Op. 72 – Prelude poco allegro, tempo rubato
Geoffrey Burleson, piano
Piano Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 22 – I. Andante sostenuto
Bertrand Chamayou, piano
Orchestre National de France
Emmanuel Krivine, conductor
Le timbre d’argent, Act I – Mélodie “Humble et pauvre… demande à l’oiseau”
Cyrille Dubois, tenor (Bénédict)
Orchestre National de Lille
Pierre Dumoussaud, conductor
La princesse jaune – I. Ouverture; III. Air
Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse
Leo Hussain, conductor
Marche héroïque, Op. 34
Orchestre National de Lille
Jun Märkl, conductor
La jeunesse d’Hercule, Op. 50
Orchestre National de Lille
Jun Märkl, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.
WED 17:00 In Tune (m002vcnh)
Live music from Julian Bliss and Sasha Grynyuk
Petroc Trelawny welcomes clarinettist Julian Bliss and pianist Sasha Grynyuk to Broadcasting House for a live performance, ahead of Julian's appearance at Wilton's Music Hall in London with the Chromatica Orchestra. Petroc also talks to director and filmmaker Jessie Rodger about her new collaboration with viola player Lawrence Power and others for the 'dynamic live performance' Darkness Visible at the Barbican Hall in London on the 7th May.
WED 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vcnk)
Expand your horizons with classical music
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites. Beginning with Janine Jansen playing Debussy, arranged by Jascha Heifetz, this half-hour musical sequence includes choral music by Edward Bairstow and Thomas Tallis, a folksong for orchestra by George Walker, and well-loved music by his compatriot Samuel Barber - the Adagio in its original string quartet form. Plus, to end, the Chaconne from Rameau's opera Dardanus and a Bagatelle for guitar by William Walton.
Produced by Andy King.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Mixtape’.
WED 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vcnm)
Korngold The Sea Hawk
The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Fabien Gabel in Herrmann, Blanchard, plus Korngold; and they premiere Ryan Latimer's Trumpet Concerto Bestia with soloist Selina Ott.
Recorded at the Barbican on 24th April 2026. Presented by Ian Skelly.
Bernard Herrmann: Suite from 'Vertigo'
Ryan Latimer: Bestia: Concerto for Trumpet & Orchestra (BBC Co-Commission and World Premiere)
Interval
Terence Blanchard: Suite from 'Fire Shut Up in My Bones'
Erich Wolfgang Korngold: The Sea Hawk
Selina Ott (trumpet)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Fabien Gabel (conductor)
In Hollywood, exiles and outsiders weaved American dreams, writing music that made the silver screen shine. Music from the golden age of the movies frames tonight’s concert, and from the haunted obsession of Bernard Herrmann’s classic Hitchcock score to Korngold’s The Sea Hawk – an all-action swashbuckler from Vienna’s brightest star – no emotion is off limits. It sounds glorious too – even without the pictures.
This is the first chance to hear music from Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up In My Bones, whose barnstorming run at the Metropolitan Opera in 2021 proved a major landmark in American music. Blanchard’s Grammy-winning “opera in jazz” explores a troubled childhood in 1980s Louisiana, while Ryan Latimer’s brand-new trumpet concerto with the young Austrian trumpeter Selina Ott takes its inspiration from the wildlife (real or imaginary) of Florida.
WED 21:45 The Essay (m002vcnp)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
Mad About the Boy
Historian Jerry Brotton presents a 10-part exploration into the life and work of the Elizabethan playwright Christopher ‘Kit’ Marlowe. Notorious for his violent death in a brawl in Deptford on the banks of the Thames, there’s perennial interest in Marlowe’s writing, his sexuality, his relationship with Shakespeare, the suspicion that he was a spy and the big “what-if” he had lived longer and produced even greater work.
Step-by-step, Jerry Brotton traces Kit Marlowe’s life and career, takes us through his key plays including Tamburlaine, Dr Faustus and Edward II, examines why they resonate with us now and talks to those today who are still fascinated by Kit’s legacy and influence.
Having questioned Tudor hierarchy and laughed at religion, Kit Marlowe turned to another taboo that seemed close to his own passions: love between men. His classically inspired poetry had already flirted with homoeroticism, but with Edward II he offered the most explicit depiction of same-sex desire ever performed on an English stage. It also portrayed a shocking regicide. Jerry speaks to Daniel Evans and Simon Russell-Beale, who have both played notable Edward II’s, to understand Marlowe’s queer legacy.
With Daniel Evans; Hesse Phillips and Simon Russell-Beale.
Written and presented by Professor Jerry Brotton
Produced by Melissa FitzGerald
Christopher Marlowe read by Justice Ritchie
Other voices read by Tonderai Munyevu
Sound design by Tony Churnside
A Zinc Audio Production
WED 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vcnr)
A bewitching night time soundtrack
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
WED 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002vcnt)
Fresh from Rachel Duns
Rosa Brunello is back with a third bunch of Flowers to give to an artist she is influenced by, and tonight she goes for a virtuoso American guitarist.
Also in the programme, there is music from Yetii, Sarah Vaughan, and Noah Stoneman.
‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".
THURSDAY 30 APRIL 2026
THU 00:30 Through the Night (m002vcnw)
Brahms and Mahler from Stockholm
Pianist Francesco Piemontesi joins conductor Maxim Emelyanychev and the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra in Brahms's Piano Concerto No 1. The orchestra also plays Mahler's 5th Symphony. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Piano Concerto no 1 in D minor, Op 15
Francesco Piemontesi (piano), Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
01:19 AM
Gustav Mahler (1860-1911)
Symphony no 5 in C sharp minor
Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Maxim Emelyanychev (conductor)
02:27 AM
Hildor Lundvik (1885-1951), Vilhelm Ekelund (lyricist)
Verlaine-stamning
Åslög Rosén (soprano), Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson (conductor)
02:31 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
Sonata for cello and piano in G minor, Op 19
Elizabeth Dolin (cello), Francine Kay (piano)
03:08 AM
Ildebrando Pizzetti (1880-1968)
Requiem mass, for a capella choir
Choeur de Radio France, Donald Palumbo (conductor)
03:34 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Praeludium and Fughetta in G major, BWV 902
Andreas Staier (harpsichord)
03:43 AM
Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872)
Ballet Music for the Merry Wives of Windsor by Otto Nicolai
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Łukasz Borowicz (conductor)
03:53 AM
John Wilbye (1574-1638)
Draw on sweet night for 6 voices (1609)
BBC Singers, Bo Holten (director)
03:58 AM
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006)
Sonatina for clarinet and piano, Op 29
Fabio di Càsola (clarinet), Alexander Boeschoten (piano)
04:06 AM
Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884)
The Masque of Pandora (Two Intermezzi)
BBC Philharmonic, Ben Gernon (conductor)
04:15 AM
John B. Escosa (1928-1991)
Three Dances for 2 harps
Julia Shaw (harp), Nora Bumanis (harp)
04:21 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Trio in B flat D.471
Trio AnPaPié
04:31 AM
František Jiránek (1698-1778)
Sinfonia in F major
Collegium Marianum
04:40 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Prelude and Fugue in E minor, Op 35 no 1
Sylviane Deferne (piano)
04:49 AM
Anonymous,Gaucelm Faidit (c.1150-1220)
Excelsus in numine/Benedictus; Fortz chausa es
Eric Mentzel (tenor), Bois de Cologne
04:58 AM
Jean Françaix (1912-1997)
Serenade for small orchestra
Canadian Chamber Ensemble, Raffi Armenian (director)
05:08 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio - aria for soprano and orchestra, K.418
Cyndia Sieden (soprano), Prima La Musica, Dirk Vermeulen (conductor)
05:15 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (orch.)
Overture and prelude to act II of Acis and Galatea K 566
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Andrew Manze (conductor)
05:25 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Trio in G major, Op 9 no 1
Trio AnPaPié
05:54 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Hungarian Dance no 1 in G minor
Francesco Piemontesi (piano), Maxim Emelyanychev (piano)
05:57 AM
Louis Spohr (1784-1859)
Notturno for wind and Turkish band in C major, Op 34
Octophoros, Paul Dombrecht (conductor)
THU 06:30 Breakfast (m002v8n9)
Roll out of bed into classical music
Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
THU 09:30 Essential Classics (m002v8nd)
Celebrating classical greats
Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.
1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.
1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.
1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.
1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.
To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.
THU 13:00 Classical Live (m002v8ng)
Prokofiev's 2nd Violin Concerto from Hana Chang
Linton Stephens brings you an afternoon of exclusive music-making including a week-long focus on Leipzig, a pivotal centre in Western classical music. Dutch piano duo Lucas and Arthur Jussen join forces with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra to play Poulenc's Double Concerto, and the orchestra also perform Bartók's fantastical, folkloric pantomime ballet The Wooden Prince.
Elsewhere in the programme, there is exclusively recorded music from three of the current BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists. Cellist Sterling Elliott plays Amy Beach, violinist Hana Chang joins the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra to play Prokofiev's lyrical 2nd Violin Concerto, and flautist Elizaveta Ivanova performs music by Guillaume Connesson.
And in a week foregrounding music for the bassoon, pianist and composer Stephen Hough joins friends to perform his Trio for flute, bassoon and piano.
Francis Poulenc
Concerto for Two Pianos in D minor, FP 61
Lucas Jussen (piano)
Arthur Jussen (piano)
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Alan Gilbert (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Amy Beach
4 Sketches, Op. 15 No. 3 - ‘Dreaming’
Sterling Elliott (cello)
Richard Uttley (piano)
Felix Mendelssohn
String Quartet in E minor, Op. 44 No. 2
Leonkoro Quartet
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Sergei Prokofiev
Violin Concerto No. 2
Hana Chang (violin)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Chloé Van Soeterstède (conductor)
Stephen Hough
Trio for flute and bassoon and piano (Was mit den Traenen geschieht)
Thomas Hancox (flute)
Amy Harman (bassoon)
Stephen Hough (piano)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Guilloume Connesson
Le Rire de Saraï
Elizaveta Ivanova (flute)
Sanja Bizjak (piano)
Béla Bartók
The Wooden Prince, Op. 13
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Petr Popelka (conductor)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".
THU 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002v8nj)
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Triumph and Tragedy
Donald Macleod finds Saint‑Saëns at a moment when public success and private upheaval collide. Today, he explores the composer’s enforced stay in London during the Commune, the friendships and opportunities that follow his return to Paris, and the swift courtship and marriage that bring new pressures into his life. As Saint‑Saëns begins to look towards the theatre, Donald charts how these shifts lead to works that reveal a growing confidence and a deepening sense of artistic possibility, even as loss and change continue to shape his personal world.
A Voice by the Cedar Tree
Tyler Duncan, baritone
Erika Switzer, piano
Saint‑Saëns: Romance in C major, Op. 48
Dong‑Suk Kang, violin
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra
Antoni Wit, conductor
Saint‑Saëns: Romance, Op. 36
Francis Orval, horn
Orchestra of Radio Luxembourg
Louis de Froment, conductor
Saint‑Saëns: Le Déluge – Prelude
New Philharmonia Orchestra
Pierre Dervaux, conductor
Ulf Hoelscher, violin
Samson et Dalila – “Mon cœur s’ouvre à ta voix”
Agnes Baltsa, mezzo‑soprano (Dalila)
José Carreras, tenor (Samson)
Symphonieorchester des Bayerischen Rundfunks
Sir Colin Davis, conductor
Requiem, Op. 54 – I. Requiem & Kyrie; II. Dies Irae
Tinuke Olafimihan, soprano
Catherine Wyn‑Rogers, mezzo‑soprano
Anthony Roden, tenor
Simon Kirkbride, bass
East London Chorus, Harlow Chorus, Hertfordshire Chorus
London Philharmonic Orchestra
James O’Donnell, organ
Geoffrey Simon, conductor
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.
THU 17:00 In Tune (m002v8nm)
Gabriela Montero
Petroc Trelawny presents live music from pianist Gabriela Montero, ahead of her concert at Milton Court Concert Hall on 01/05.
THU 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002v8np)
Take 30 minutes out with a relaxing classical mix
A classical soundscape with folkloric flavours. The Danish String Quartet weave together traditional melodies; Eleanor Daley sets a mystical text by a Mi’kmaq poet, Mary Louise Martin, celebrating the moon; and we close with a piano miniature by Medtner, inspired by Russian folklore.
THU 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002v8nr)
Debussy's Images
Thomas Adès conducts The Hallé in Debussy's Images - a colourful triptych of orchestral canvases - and his own equally atmospheric work Lieux retrouvés, which started life as a duo for cello and piano. That pairing combines as the solo instruments of György Kurtág's Double Concerto, for which the orchestra is joined tonight by pianist Dénes Várjon and cellist Nicolas Altstaedt (who also takes the solo role in Lieux retrouvés). The concert begins on a mysterious note with Charles Ives' evocative orchestral piece The Unanswered Question.
Presented by Tom McKinney. Recorded at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester on Thursday 23rd April 2026.
Charles Ives: The Unanswered Question
György Kurtág: The Answered unanswered question (Ligatura-message to Frances-Marie)
György Kurtág: Double Concerto Op. 27 No. 2 for piano, cello and two chamber ensembles
Thomas Adès: Lieux retrouvés (version for orchestra)
Claude Debussy: Images for orchestra
Nicolas Altstaedt (cello)
Dénes Várjon (piano)
The Hallé
Thomas Adès (conductor)
To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".
THU 21:45 The Essay (m002v8nt)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
Becoming the Story
Historian Jerry Brotton presents a 10-part exploration into the life and work of the Elizabethan playwright Christopher ‘Kit’ Marlowe. Notorious for his violent death in a brawl in Deptford on the banks of the Thames, there’s perennial interest in Marlowe’s writing, his sexuality, his relationship with Shakespeare, the suspicion that he was a spy and the big “what-if” he had lived longer and produced even greater work.
Step-by-step, Jerry Brotton traces Kit Marlowe’s life and career, takes us through his key plays including Tamburlaine, Dr Faustus and Edward II, examines why they resonate with us now and talks to those today who are still fascinated by Kit’s legacy and influence.
In the spring of 1593, Marlowe completed what would be his last play, The Massacre at Paris, a dramatization of the Catholic massacre of Protestants in Paris in 1572. With 18 onstage deaths, it is one of the most violent of all Tudor plays. Yet within months of its successful performance, a placard attacking ‘strangers’ and signed ‘Tamburlaine’ was nailed to the door of a church in London. Someone wanted to frame Kit. Now he had become the story. With a warrant issued for his arrest on 18th May 1593, the net was closing around Marlowe.
With Charles Nicholl; Lucy Munro and Tracey Hill.
Written and presented by Professor Jerry Brotton
Produced by Melissa FitzGerald
Christopher Marlowe read by Justice Ritchie
Other voices read by Tonderai Munyevu
Sound design by Tony Churnside
A Zinc Audio Production
THU 22:00 Night Tracks (m002v8nw)
Sublime sounds for nightfall
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
THU 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002v8ny)
International Jazz Day
Today is International Jazz Day, a global celebration of the genre. It was launched in 2011 by UNESCO with the legendary pianist Herbie Hancock and celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Each year, International Jazz Day has a host city, and this year it is Chicago. To mark the occasion, Soweto shares music from some of the artists on the bill, as well as from musicians who have played at other concerts paying homage to the day.
And Rosa Brunello is back to share the fourth and final musician that she would like to give Flowers to. Tonight, she goes for an Iranian-British artist that she is inspired by.
‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".
FRIDAY 01 MAY 2026
FRI 00:30 Through the Night (m002v8p0)
Elisabeth Leonskaja and Mihály Berecz at Wigmore Hall, London
Legendary Georgian pianist Elisabeth Leonskaja performs Schubert's Four Impromptus D.899, and is joined by young Budapest-born pianist Mihály Berecz to play a selection of Brahms's Hungarian Dances. Jonathan Swain presents.
12:31 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Excerpts from 'Hungarian Dances, WoO 1', for piano four hands
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano), Mihály Berecz (piano)
12:57 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Four Impromptus, D.899
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano)
01:27 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Hungarian Dance no 1 in G minor, for piano four hands
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano), Mihály Berecz (piano)
01:31 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Hungarian Rhapsody no 1 for orchestra in F minor
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, Sergiu Commissiona (conductor)
01:44 AM
Ferenc Erkel (1810-1893)
Wine Song, from the opera 'Bánk bán'
Sándor Sólyom-Nagy (baritone), Hungarian Radio Orchestra, András Kórodi (conductor)
01:46 AM
Ferenc Erkel (1810-1893)
Overture to Névtelen hosök (Unknown Heroes) a comic opera
Hungarian Radio Orchestra, András Kórodi (conductor)
01:51 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Piano Quintet in A major (D.667), "Trout"
Elisabeth Leonskaja (piano), Alban Berg Quartet, Günter Pichler (violin), Thomas Kakuska (viola), Valentin Erben (cello), Georg Hortnagel (double bass)
02:31 AM
Bartlomiej Pekiel (?-c.1670)
Missa Pulcherrima
Camerata Silesia, Anna Szostak (conductor)
03:01 AM
Tor Aulin (1866 - 1914)
Violin Concerto no 3 in C minor, Op 14
Stig Nilsson (violin), Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Michel Plasson (conductor)
03:34 AM
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
The Nutcracker suite, Op 71a (excerpts)
Kotaro Fukuma (piano)
03:44 AM
Nicola Matteis (c. 1650-after 1713),George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), William Babell (arr.)
Matteis: Aria malinconica; Handel/Babell: Lascia ch'io pianga
Ilia Korol (violin), Jermaine Sprosse (harpsichord)
03:54 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Mentre ti lascio, o figlia - aria for bass and orchestra, K.513
Robert Holl (bass), Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Kenneth Montgomery (conductor)
04:02 AM
Franz Doppler (1821-1883)
Andante and Rondo for two flutes and piano, Op 25
Karolina Santl-Zupan (flute), Matej Zupan (flute), Dijana Tanovic (piano)
04:12 AM
Stanisław Moniuszko (1819-1872)
Flis ('The Raftsman') (Overture)
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jerzy Salwarowski (conductor)
04:21 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
The Four Seasons - Winter
Davide Monti (violin), Il Tempio Armonico
04:31 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Etude in E major, Op 10 no 3
Jane Coop (piano)
04:35 AM
Francisco Guerrero (1528-1599)
Prado verde y florido - sacred vilancico
Montserrat Figueras (soprano), Maite Arruabarrena (mezzo soprano), Lambert Climent (tenor), Francesc Garrigosa (tenor), Hesperion XX, Jordi Savall (director)
04:40 AM
Hermann Ambrosius (1897-1983)
Suite
Zagreb Guitar Trio
04:48 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Overture from Suite no 1 in C major, BWV.1066
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)
04:58 AM
Philip Glass (b.1937)
Music in similar motion for ensemble
Ricercata Ensemble, Ivan Siller (director)
05:11 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883), Zóltan Kocsis (arr.)
Concert Prelude to Tristan und Isolde arr. Kocsis for piano
François-Frédéric Guy (piano)
05:22 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony no 1 in C major, Op 21
Netherlands Radio Chamber Philharmonic, Frans Brüggen (conductor)
05:52 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Violin Sonata no 1 in F major, Op 8
Vilde Frang Bjærke (violin), Jens Elvekjaer (piano)
06:13 AM
Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967)
4 Italian madrigals for female chorus
Jutland Chamber Choir, Mogens Dahl (director)
06:25 AM
Dora Pejačević (1885-1923)
Nocturne for orchestra
Croatian Radio-Television Symphony Orchestra, Pavle Dešpalj (conductor)
FRI 06:30 Breakfast (m002vbmm)
Boost your morning with classical music
Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.
FRI 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vbmr)
A feast of great music
Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.
1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.
1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.
1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.
1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.
To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.
FRI 13:00 Classical Live (m002vbmw)
Bach, Bernstein and Mahler from Leipzig
Linton Stephens brings you an afternoon of exclusive music-making, including a week-long focus on Leipzig, a pivotal centre in Western classical music. The MDR Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leipzig, perform Leopold Stokowski's arrangement of Bach's Toccata and Fugue in D minor, and the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra play Bernstein's jazzy Symphonic Dances from 'West Side Story' and, in contrast, Mahler's atmospheric First Symphony.
Elsewhere in the programme, exclusively recorded music from our current BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists. Violinist Hana Chang performs Brahms, pianist Julius Asal plays Bartok, saxophonist Emma Rawicz brings a little jazz with her own original composition and cellist Sterling Elliott plays Kevin Day.
And to end our week of music featuring the bassoon, today Fasch's Concerto in C minor is performed by the Italian bassoonist Sergio Azzolini.
Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Leopold Stokowski)
Toccata and Fugue in D minor, BWV. 565
MDR Radio Symphony Orchestra, Leipzig
Keri-Lynn Wilson (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Johannes Brahms
Violin Sonata No.2 in A, Op. 100
Hana Chang (violin)
Jonathan Ware (piano)
Johann Friedrich Fasch
Bassoon Concerto in C minor, FaWV. L:c2
Camerata Bern
Sergio Azzolini (bassoon, conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Bela Bartok
Suite, Op. 14
Julius Asal (piano)
Leonard Bernstein
Symphonic Dances, from 'West Side Story'
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
David Robertson (conductor)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Emma Rawicz
Maybe So
Emma Rawicz (tenor sax)
Rasmus Sørensen (piano)
David Preston (electric guitar)
Freddie Jensen (bass)
Marc Michel (drums)
Radio 3 New Generation Artists:
Kevin Day
Gymnopédie I (2018)
Sterling Elliott (cello)
Richard Uttley (piano)
Gustav Mahler
Symphony No. 1 in D ('Titan')
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra
Alan Gilbert (conductor)
To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".
FRI 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vbn0)
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Travelling Man
Donald Macleod closes the week with Saint‑Saëns on the move, travelling to escape grief, restore his health and find new inspiration far from Paris. Today, he looks at the composer’s encounters abroad, from royal visits to quiet periods of solitude, and the ways in which unfamiliar landscapes, new friendships and long periods on the road fed back into his work.
Suite algérienne, Op. 60 – I. Prélude
Orchestra della Svizzera Italiana
Francis Travis, conductor
Étienne Marcel – Ballet Music: Entrée des écoliers et des ribaudes; Musette guerrière; Pavane; Valse
Residentie Orkest Den Haag
Jun Märkl, conductor
Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 33 – I. Allegro non troppo
Steven Isserlis, cello
London Symphony Orchestra
Michael Tilson Thomas, conductor
Le carnaval des animaux
Isata Kanneh‑Mason, piano
Jeneba Kanneh‑Mason, piano
Braimah Kanneh‑Mason, violin
Ayla Sahin, violin
Timothy Ridout, viola
Sheku Kanneh‑Mason, cello
Toby Hughes, double bass
Adrian Spillett, xylophone
Adam Walker, flute
Alasdair Malloy, glass harmonica
Oboe Sonata in D major, Op. 166 – II. Ad libitum – Allegretto
Charles Hamann, oboe
Stéphane Lemelin, piano
Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.
FRI 17:00 In Tune (m002vbn2)
London Concertante in session
Petroc Trelawny presents live music from London Concertante, joining the programme in an 8-piece ensemble to present tango repertoire ahead of their UK tour starting in Chichester on 02/05. He also meets Elaine Kidd (Head of the Royal Opera House's Jette Parker Young Artists Programme) and current JPYA baritone Ossian Huskinson, discussing the upcoming performances as part of the Jette Parker Young Artist Programme's Tales of Love and Loss at the Linbury Theatre in London (01 - 09/05).
FRI 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vbn4)
Power through with classical music
An engaging mix of culinary-inspired classical music for half an hour, featuring the work Mendelssohn wrote in response to clarinettist Heinrich Joseph Baermann and his son Carl’s invitation to compose a piece for a forthcoming tour in return for steamed dumplings and sweet-cheese strudel, as well as the tuned wine glasses that accompany Ēriks Ešenvalds’ setting of words by Sara Teasdale, and Faure portrays the muted hues of Verlaine’s Venice.”
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3'.
FRI 19:30 Friday Night is Music Night (m002f7rn)
Cheltenham Festival
In honour of 80 years of spying in Cheltenham the BBC Concert Orchestra were at the 2026 Cheltenham Festival with conductor Karen Ni Bhroin and singer/presenter Clare Teal and a concert of music associated with espionage.
Lalo Schifrin: Mission Impossible theme
Maurice Jarre: Lawrence of Arabia Theme
Malcolm Williamson: Our Man in Havana (Suite) 1. Prelude; 3. Serenade; 4. Beatrice’s Aria
John Williams: Schindler’s List theme
John Barry, arr Stanley Black: James Bond themes medley
INTERVAL
Elizabeth Kelly: Lace Machine Music
William Alwyn: Odd Man Out Suite: Police Chase & Nemesis (Finale)
Johnny Douglas: The Railway Children (Main Titles)
Charles Williams: The Devil’s Galop (Dick Barton special agent)
Singer Clare Teal
BBC Concert Orchestra
Conductor Karen Ni Bhroin
FRI 21:45 The Essay (m002vbn8)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
The Reckoning
Historian Jerry Brotton presents a 10-part exploration into the life and work of the Elizabethan playwright Christopher ‘Kit’ Marlowe. Notorious for his violent death in a brawl in Deptford on the banks of the Thames, there’s perennial interest in Marlowe’s writing, his sexuality, his relationship with Shakespeare, the suspicion that he was a spy and the big “what-if” he had lived longer and produced even greater work.
Step-by-step, Jerry Brotton traces Kit Marlowe’s life and career, takes us through his key plays including Tamburlaine, Dr Faustus and Edward II, examines why they resonate with us now and talks to those today who are still fascinated by Kit’s legacy and influence.
In the final programme of the series, Jerry Brotton returns to Deptford to investigate the claims that Kit Marlowe was murdered. He visits the churchyard where Kit is believed to be buried, assesses the evidence as to who might have ordered his death, and he finally ‘reckons’ with Kit’s personal and literary legacy.
With Lucy Munro; Charles Nicholl; Ray Mia; Emma Smith; Stephen Greenblatt and Jude Owusu.
Written and presented by Professor Jerry Brotton
Produced by Melissa FitzGerald
Christopher Marlowe read by Justice Ritchie
Other voices read by Tonderai Munyevu
Sound design by Tony Churnside
A Zinc Audio Production
FRI 22:00 Late Junction (m002vbnb)
Late Junction at Counterflows, Glasgow
Jennifer Lucy Allan brings forth music and sounds encountered during a recent visit to Glasgow’s internationally acclaimed contemporary music festival, Counterflows. Taking place in early April, the thirteenth instalment furthers the festival's reputation for championing challenging and thought-provoking work in and around the world of experimental music. Alongside studio releases by artists featured on this year's bill, we'll hear recordings from some of the many live performances on offer as part of 2026's edition.
Produced by Cat Gough
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3
FRI 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002vbnf)
Donovan Haffner in concert
Tonight, Soweto shares performance highlights from alto saxophonist Donovan Haffner, recorded live at the Jazz Promotion Network showcase in Cardiff last November.
An artist and bandleader on the rise, Donovan won ‘Breakthrough Act of the Year' at this year’s Jazz FM Awards, and 'Jazz Newcomer' at the Jazz Parliamentary Awards 2025. He is an alumnus of Tomorrow’s Warriors and has worked and performed with artists including Jay Phelps, Rasmus Sørensen, and Nu Civilisation Orchestra. He released his debut album “Alleviate” late last year.
For this performance, Donovan was joined by his quintet, featuring Jay Verma on piano, Harry Pearce on double bass, Harry Ling on drums, and Francisco Garcia De Paredes on guitar.
‘Round Midnight is presented by award-winning saxophonist Soweto Kinch. This weekday late-night show celebrates the thriving UK jazz scene and spotlights the best new music alongside incredible acts from past decades.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".