SATURDAY 13 DECEMBER 2025

SAT 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m0029x0r)
Take a long quiet drive

Sit back, relax, and enjoy a smooth ride towards sleep. Drift through the night with soft engine rumble and relaxing classical music - a perfect soundtrack to help guide you to a peaceful state of slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


SAT 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfyz)
Peaceful Classical Sounds for Christmas

Find calm this Christmas with a flowing mix of warming festive favourites. Featuring glowing orchestral arrangements of carols from the London Chamber Orchestra, gentle piano works from Alexis Ffrench, and choral favourites by John Rutter, and many more.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM.


SAT 09:00 Classical Unwind (m00267l7)
Calming winter music to lift your mood

Calming wintery classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring uplifting and enriching seasonal melodies from Tchaikovsky, Florence Price, and Karl Jenkins, this special winter episode explores the smells of the season. Plus, Professor Catherine Loveday explains how it is possible to use music to banish the winter blues.


SAT 12:00 Piano Focus (m002nfz1)
A calming piano soundtrack to help you focus. Boost your productivity with two hours of piano-led classical music to motivate and inspire you.


SAT 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfz3)
Cosy classical music to curl up to by the fire

Enjoy three hours of cosy classical music inspired by wintry landscapes and seasonal relaxation, paired with festive soundscapes of crackling fire.

This collection includes arrangements of Good King Wenceslas, Joy to the World, and In the Bleak Midwinter as well as peaceful picks from Handel’s Messiah, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker, and Britten’s Ceremony of Carols.

Produced by Katie Hill
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.


SAT 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002nfz5)
Happy Christmas Harmonies

Three hours of calming classical Christmas harmonies, designed to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a seasonal blend of radiant music from the likes of Holst, Elgar, Debbie Wiseman and Margaret Bonds. Plus, a chance to Press Pause, and some Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel, all about the relaxation of writing Christmas cards.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


SAT 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002nfz7)
Escape into the immersive worlds of film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. Featuring current and new releases through to timeless classics.


SAT 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001thcy)
Festive sounds for winter warmth ft. The Staves

Ward off the winter cold and get cosy by the fire with a special seasonal episode of Ultimate Calm with Icelandic composer Ólafur Arnalds. Ólafur shares a selection of tracks to transport you out of the hectic noise that comes with this time of year, and reflects on how music can be an escape. With music from the likes of Anoushka Shankar and Erland Cooper.

We’ll visit the musical safe haven of some special guests - hearing the music that Ólafur’s special guests retreat to in times of stress. Jess and Millie from English indie folk band The Staves pick a soothing song that makes them take a deep breath and gives them respite from the busy chaos of life.

Ólafur also performs a very special live version of his piano piece ‘saman’, which means 'together' in Icelandic, and shares some reflections on the quirky festive folktales of Iceland, with stories of trolls and icy darkness.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production


SAT 22:00 Night Tracks (m0025mhc)
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.


SAT 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (p0ddfs10)
Dreamy music for cosy nights

Settle down with gentle music from BBC Introducing alongside Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast.

Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to "play The Sleeping Forecast."

SUNDAY 14 DECEMBER 2025

SUN 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002559j)
Voyage across the frost

Slip off to sleep with a mix of crisp natural sounds and cool, calming classical music. Immerse yourself in icy frost and peaceful music - a restful soundtrack to help your slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Alice Boyd and Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


SUN 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002nglt)
A Winter Wander

Wrap up warm, and get a breath of fresh air, with a selection of classical music to listen to and soothe your soul as you walk in nature this wintertime.

With music by Rachel Portman, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and Eric Whitacre.

For more Mindful Mixes and calming classical music, listen to Radio 3 Unwind on BBC Sounds or search "Mindful Mix".

Produced by James Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Sounds. MM


SUN 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002nglw)
Music to help find your focus and flow.


SUN 12:00 Piano Focus (m002ngly)
A calming piano soundtrack to help you focus. Boost your productivity with two hours of piano-led classical music to motivate and inspire you.


SUN 14:00 Mindful Mix (m00267kz)
Christmas Carols: festive favourites to keep you cool and calm

Ring in the festive season with this soothing mix of timeless Christmas carols. Featuring old favourites including Silent Night, Hark the Herald, and O Come all Ye Faithful, and other classics from John Rutter and Bob Chilcott, as well as gorgeous newer recordings from Ola Gjeilo, Philip Stopford and Kerensa Briggs.

To listen to more festive tunes on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Christmas Music.”

For more Mindful Mixes and calming classical music, listen to Radio 3 Unwind on BBC Sounds or search "Mindful Mix".

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


SUN 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m00267l5)
Soundtrack your evening with soothing festive music

Three hours of calming classical music to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a rich blend of festive music and carols from the likes of Anna Lapwood, John Rutter and Debbie Wiseman – plus some essential Wind Down Wisdom on how to keep your holidays as peaceful as possible.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


SUN 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002ng11)
Escape into the immersive worlds of film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. Featuring current and new releases through to timeless classics.


SUN 21:00 Soundwaves (m002ngm0)
Winter Solace

Join Afrodeutsche as she presents fresh new music with a seasonal and festive theme, by composers and producers across the country- performances where snowfall becomes rhythm and silence becomes harmony. With new music from Thomas James White, Neil Foster, Avawaves, Adrian Lane, Gwenno Morgan, and choral music from Jessica Curry.

We'll also have new music from BBC Introducing and guitarist Matt Petherbridge.


SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m00262fh)
A meditative moonlight soundtrack

Hannah Peel presents an immersive soundtrack for Boxing Day, with an eclectic mix of traditional folk and new music, relaxing classics and electronics, plus wintery ice sounds.


SUN 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m00269fq)
Go on a sleepy voyage to the Antarctic

Excerpts from Ernest Shackleton's 1902 expedition journal with dreamy music from BBC Introducing and the Shipping Forecast. First broadcast in November 2021.

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast."

MONDAY 15 DECEMBER 2025

MON 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002ngm2)
Drift off with a blend of nature sounds and restful, relaxing classical music.


MON 06:00 Mindful Mix (m0026nsn)
Classical music to soothe the soul

A collection of classical tunes to ease the mind and soothe the soul.

Revel in the pensive piano of Erik Satie and Rosey Chan, the choral glow of Eric Whitacre and Paul Mealor, and the orchestral beauty of Jean Sibelius and Gustav Holst.

Produced by Katie Hill
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM


MON 12:00 Piano Focus (m0028s30)
Step into tranquillity with reflective piano music

Embrace serenity with this carefully curated mix of dreamy piano music. Featuring timeless treasures from lesser-known classical composers like Cyril Scott, Nininha Velloso Guerra and Charles Tomlinson Griffes seamlessly intertwined with modern innovations by Rachel Grimes, A Winged Victory for the Sullen and Grouper.

Produced by Áine Devaney
A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.

To listen on most smart speakers just say, “ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus”


MON 14:00 Mindful Mix (m0028hz2)
Flowing melodies for quiet relaxation

Let gentle melodies guide you to a peaceful and reflective state. Featuring serene piano solos, glowing choral harmonies, and calming orchestral movements - all chosen to bring relaxation and tranquility to your day.

Featuring lyrical melodies from Florence Price, Franz Schubert, & Gerald Finzi. And flowing textures from Olivia Belli, Christian Forshaw, Eric Whitacre, and more.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


MON 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002627y)
Switch off with calming classical music

Three hours of calming classical music to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a rich blend of music from the likes of Florence Price, Aaron Copland and Ennio Morricone. Plus, a chance to Press Pause with meditation teacher Michael James Wong, and some essential Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel on harnessing the dimmer switch.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


MON 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002m276)
Find a moment of peace with Chinatown and Viceroy's House

Find a moment of peace through film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. With music by Jerry Goldsmith for the classic, Chinatown and A.R. Rahman's score for Viceroy's House. Plus a moment from Mother's Instinct by Anne Nikitin and the closing credits from James Horner's A Beautiful Mind.

Produced by Lucy Winter
A Granny Eats Wolf Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind


MON 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m0024qwv)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 3

Calm music for connection ft. Sheku Kanneh-Mason

Music has always been an important part of community and relationships - a way for us to feel connected to each other. It gives us a reason to gather together and helps us relate to one another. Ólafur celebrates that aspect of music with an episode inspired by community, family, friendship and togetherness. He’ll play a selection of soothing sounds including tracks by the likes of Aksuna, Shida Shahabi and the husband-wife duo Windy & Carl, as well as his own collaborative work as part of the duo Kiasmos, with Faroese musician Janus Rasmussen, and his work with the OPIA Community, a travelling festival series, record label and community hub.

Plus the British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason transports us to his musical safe haven. Sheku is no stranger to collaborations, he frequently works with his siblings to create beautiful works together. He shares a piece of music that brings him ultimate calm, a track that reminds him of a sunrise.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 3 Unwind


MON 22:00 Night Tracks (m002n8gx)
A musical nocturnal winter garden

Hannah Peel presents a wintry, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


MON 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (m002m26s)
Set sail to tranquillity

Cast off the pressures of the day and settle down for rest with this mix of classical and ambient music from BBC Introducing artists paired with excerpts from Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast and calming sounds of nature.

Produced by Alex Yates

A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind

To listen on most smart speakers just 'ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast'.

TUESDAY 16 DECEMBER 2025

TUE 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002b5z6)
Wind down with windmills

Drift away with a mix of windswept sounds and breezy classical music. Immerse yourself in fresh air atop a windmill hill - with composers Bruch, Brahms and Beethoven lulling you towards peaceful slumber.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search Sleep Tracks on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes. To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Sleep Tracks.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


TUE 06:00 Mindful Mix (m0026txj)
Gentle classical music for inner calm

Find a sense of inner calm with this collection of gentle classical tunes. Featuring peaceful piano melodies, glowing choral harmonies, and flowing orchestral movements. This mix is curated to help you settle into a more peaceful state of mind.

With pieces from Ennio Morricone, Gustav Mahler, Rebecca Dale and more.

Produced by James C Taylor
And Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


TUE 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002m06j)
Get inspired for the day with uplifting harmonies

Calming classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring soothing and refreshing melodies from Elgar, Emilie Mayer, and Meredith Monk. Professor Catherine Loveday explores how maths can be used to explain music, and Sian finds some brambles while out to take a breath.


TUE 12:00 Piano Focus (m0028s5t)
Recharge with a restorative piano mix

Delve into a piano mixtape designed to help you unwind and recharge your batteries with a specially-curated selection of gentle, restorative compositions. With music from contemporary British composers including Alexis Ffrench, Rosey Chan and Eamonn Watt, alongside legendary piano works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Amy Beach and Erik Satie.

Produced by Jamie Green
A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus”


TUE 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002981h)
Captivating melodies for classical calm

Tune in to this edition of the Mindful Mix and relax into three hours of soothing classical music.

Featuring gorgeous orchestral classics from Ottorino Respighi and Edward Elgar, contemporary choral from Eric Whitacre and Lucy Walker, alongside thoughtful pieces from Eri Ishibashi and Hanna Havrylets.

Produced by Katie Hill
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM


TUE 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002m7tp)
A calming start to the evening with classical music

Three hours of calming classical music to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a rich blend of music from the likes of Eric Whitacre, Clarice Jensen and Chad Lawson. Plus, a chance to Press Pause with meditation teacher Helen Marie, and some essential Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel on the potential benefits of mindful baking.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


TUE 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m0024qyk)
Journey into emotive worlds with Forrest Gump and Enola Holmes

Escape into the immersive worlds of film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. Featuring current and new releases through to timeless classics, every episode will take listeners on a soothing cinematic journey. In this episode, we delve into the soundtracks of Alan Silvestri's Forrest Gump, Enola Holmes by Daniel Pemberton and Clint Mansell's The Earth.


TUE 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m0024qy3)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 3

A musical moment to press pause ft. Anoushka Shankar

There are some pieces of music that can make you feel like time has paused, which force you to stop in your tracks and take you away from your everyday life. Ólafur Arnalds plays a selection of time-related pieces that have that quality, including tracks from Hania Rani, Belle Chen and Hiroshi Yoshimura.

Plus we’re transported to the musical safe haven of the musician Anoushka Shankar. Anoushka is drawn to music that either gives her a gut punch of emotion or a deep peace. She shares a very special track that brings her ultimate calm; a piece by her father, the Indian sitarist and composer Ravi Shankar.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 3 Unwind.


TUE 22:00 Night Tracks (m002nb77)
Blissful sounds for night owls

Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


TUE 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (p0d08hb9)
A soundtrack for peaceful nights

Rest easy with gentle music from BBC Introducing paired with Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast.

Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast.”

WEDNESDAY 17 DECEMBER 2025

WED 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002bhwf)
Take time out with the tide

Float away to sleep with a mix of coastal sounds and lulling classical music. Sink into the sand and shingle as the sound of an orchestra washes in on the tide - a perfect soundtrack to snooze to.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search Sleep Tracks on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes. To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Sleep Tracks.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


WED 06:00 Mindful Mix (m0026tcp)
Classical sounds to help you retreat into calm

A collection of classical tunes to ease the mind and soothe the soul.

Slide into warm instrumental sounds by Mozart, Anna Clyne and Lauri Porra, glowing choral textures from William Byrd and Christopher H. Harris, and soothing chamber music by Fela Sowande, Toru Takemitsu and Alexander Tsfasman.

Produced by Steven Rajam
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM


WED 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002jqrw)
Welcome the day with inspiring music

Calming classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring uplifting and enriching melodies from Gareth Malone, Imogen Holst, and Dvořák, Professor Catherine Loveday explains why we naturally remember vocal music better than instrumental music and she also joins Sian to Take a Breath down an overgrown path.


WED 12:00 Piano Focus (m0028zvt)
Reflective piano pieces to centre the mind

Immerse yourself in this intimate journey into the world of piano music. From the delicate melodies of William Alwyn and the mercurial keyboard shimmerings of Maurice Ravel to refined contemporary work by the likes of Emilie Levienaise-Farrouch, Eydís Evensen and Sophia Jani.

Produced by Áine Devaney
A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.

To listen on most smart speakers, just ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus.


WED 14:00 Mindful Mix (m00296ll)
A classical escape for mind and soul

Serene classical sounds mix with the natural world - in a soothing musical journey.

Lose yourself in the flowing melodies and let your mind find peace and clarity.

Featuring soft musical breezes from Marie Awadis, Stephen Sondheim, and Karl Jenkins plus rippling textures and melodies by Edward Elgar, Louise Farrenc, and JS Bach.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


WED 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m00260yp)
Ease into the evening with restorative sounds

Three hours of calming classical music to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a rich blend of music from the likes of Anoushka Shankar, Poppy Ackroyd and Rimsky-Korsakov – plus some essential Wind Down Wisdom from award-winning science podcaster Caroline Steel and a chance to Press Pause.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


WED 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002ng2x)
Escape into the immersive worlds of film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. Featuring current and new releases through to timeless classics.


WED 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m0024qz6)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 3

Music in the mountains ft. Jordan Rakei

Escape into the embrace of the mountains, with Icelandic pianist and composer Ólafur Arnalds and a selection of music to bring you perspective and peace.

Ólafur reflects on the mountains near Reykjavik that he heads to when the noise of the world gets to be too much, and the feeling of calm that one can get from looking out at a horizon. Inspired by that feeling, he plays a selection of music including Rikuto Fujimoto, Chihei Hatakeyama and Ellen Reid.

Plus we’ll visit the musical safe haven of the singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Jordan Rakei. Jordan shares a track that brings him ultimate calm, giving him goosebumps every time he listens.

Produced by Kit Callin & Derick Armah
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 3 Unwind


WED 22:00 Night Tracks (m002n9t0)
Meditative music for late night solace

Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


WED 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (p0d6485h)
Music to help you drift off

Get to sleep with help from Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast and music from BBC Introducing.

Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast."

THURSDAY 18 DECEMBER 2025

THU 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002bs32)
Sink into desert sands

Drop into comfortable sleep with a mix of desert sounds and warm tones. Relax in the hot sun, as classical music from Spain and the Middle East drifts in on a dry wind - a perfect soundtrack for rest.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and calming sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search Sleep Tracks on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes. To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Sleep Tracks.

Produced by Alice Boyd & Joy Nkoyo with additional support from Saskia Cookson.

A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


THU 06:00 Mindful Mix (m0026tdq)
Classical music for moments of reflection

Immerse yourself in calming classical music. From gentle piano solos to soothing orchestral arrangements, chosen to help you find small moments of peace amidst your busy day.

Featuring flowing sounds by John Rutter, Erik Satie, Ruth Gipps, George Walker, and more.

Produced by James C Taylor
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind, MM


THU 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002m7vn)
Relax into the morning with stress-free music

Calming classical music to help you focus and set you up for the day ahead. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring calming and enriching melodies from Fauré, Lucy Walker, and Robert Schumann. Sian takes a breath outside during a storm and Professor Catherine Loveday explores the parallels between birdsong and music.


THU 12:00 Piano Focus (m0028zxd)
Melodies to unlock creativity

Tune out the chatter and hone your focus with this flowing soundtrack of melodic piano music. The selection features iconic British composers including Ralph Vaughan Williams and Lennox Berkeley alongside contemporary pieces from Rosey Chan with ‘A song for Nina (Simone)’ and Polly Carter's new release, Light Shines On The Fountain.

Produced by Jamie Green
A Reduced Listening Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM.

To listen on most smart speakers just say, “ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus”


THU 14:00 Mindful Mix (m0029prf)
Soothe your soul with calming classical sounds

Take a moment to relax by listening to this collection of soothing classical music.

Featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra performing Leo Delibes, Tenebrae performing William Henry Harris, and the Chineke! Orchestra performing Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. This mix also includes pieces from Maurice Ravel, Ruth Gipps, Margaret Bonds, and Thomas Tallis.

Produced by Katie Hill
An Overcoat Media Production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind. MM


THU 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002621r)
Slow down with calming classical music

Three hours of calming classical music to help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a rich blend of music from the likes of Mark Knopfler, Jessica Curry and Takashi Yoshimatsu. Plus, a chance to Press Pause with meditation teacher Michael James Wong and some Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel on the calming benefits of drawing.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


THU 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m0024qz2)
Explore sonic realms with Jurassic World and Emma

Escape into the immersive worlds of film and TV soundtracks with Edith Bowman. Featuring current and new releases through to timeless classics, every episode will take listeners on a soothing cinematic journey. Including Michael Giacchino's score from Jurassic World, Bill Conti's The Karate Kid and music from Isobel Waller-Bridge's compositions for Emma.


THU 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m0024r03)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 3

Celestial sounds for stargazing ft. Julianna Barwick

Let the stars be your guide for this journey into Ultimate Calm.

Join Icelandic pianist and composer Ólafur Arnalds for a spot of stargazing as he shares a soundtrack for watching the skies and letting our day-to-day problems melt away. There’ll be celestial selections including Jóhann Jóhannsson, Colleen and Tomo-Nakaguchi, as well as some special words from composer Dustin O’Halloran on one of his own compositions, Constellation.

Plus we’ll be rocketed away to the safe haven of the ethereal LA composer and vocalist Julianna Barwick, who shares a field recording she made whilst in a park in Tokyo.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and Radio 3 Unwind


THU 22:00 Night Tracks (m002n9p3)
Nocturnal music to bewitch the senses

Hannah Peel presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.


THU 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (p0cqdn6c)
Tune in, lights out

Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast set to tranquil music from BBC Introducing to help you sleep.

Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast.”

FRIDAY 19 DECEMBER 2025

FRI 00:30 Sleep Tracks (m002m7ss)
Drop off with dripping icicles

Slide towards sleep with a mix of crisp, ice-cool sounds and calming classical music. Glide into an immersive adventure among the icicles - a restful soundtrack to guide you through bedtime.

Sleep Tracks on BBC Radio 3 Unwind combines soothing classical music and peaceful nature sounds to help you relax into sleep. Search 'Sleep Tracks' on BBC Sounds to enjoy more episodes.

Produced by Joy Nkoyo.
A Peanut & Crumb production for BBC Radio 3 Unwind.


FRI 06:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfz3)
[Repeat of broadcast at 14:00 on Saturday]


FRI 09:00 Classical Unwind (m002n5my)
Soothing winter melodies to brighten your day

Calming wintry classical music to inspire focus and ease you gently into the day, with pieces shaped by snow, stillness and the quiet beauty of the colder months. Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams.

Featuring atmospheric winter landscapes from Tchaikovsky, Schubert, Einaudi, Elgar, Mahler, Grieg and more, this three-hour special explores the clarity and calm we can find in colder days. Plus, Professor Catherine Loveday reveals how our musical choices change with the seasons, and why the playlists we turn to in winter carry their own distinct emotional tone.


FRI 12:00 Piano Focus (m002n5n0)
Festive piano tunes for warming winter days

From Claude Debussy and Erik Satie to Duke Ellington, Vince Guaraldi, and intimate piano takes on seasonal standards, this is a softly glowing journey into the Christmas spirit. The mix unfolds like a cosy Christmas Eve at home, woven with subtle sound design, a crackling fire, faint sleigh bells, and the soft hush of a snowstorm guiding you between musical passages. Piano arrangements of holiday film scores like Gene Wilder’s Pure Imagination, and festive favourites sit alongside timeless classics.

Produced by Áine Devaney.
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds MM.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Piano Focus'.


FRI 14:00 Mindful Mix (m002nfyz)
[Repeat of broadcast at 06:00 on Saturday]


FRI 17:00 Classical Wind Down (m002n5n2)
Light up the winter darkness with relaxing classical music

Three hours of calming classical music designed to light up the winter darkness and help you release the stresses of the day, recharge and prepare to rest - presented by Irish musician and mindfulness expert Niall Breslin.

This episode features a seasonal blend of radiant music from the likes of Holst, Max Richter, Monteverdi, Meredi and Carlos Simon. Plus, a chance to Press Pause, and some Wind Down Wisdom from science podcaster Caroline Steel, all about the relaxation benefits of lighting scented candles.

To listen on most smart speakers just ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Wind Down.


FRI 20:00 Cinematic Soundtracks (m002ng11)
[Repeat of broadcast at 20:00 on Sunday]


FRI 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m001g3lz)
Ólafur Arnalds: Series 1

Hopeful harmonies feat. Gugu Mbatha-Raw

Join Icelandic composer and pianist Ólafur Arnalds for another hour-long musical journey that seeks to find that elusive feeling of calm.

In this week’s episode, Ólafur looks for the silver linings in sound with a selection of songs inspired around the theme of hope. He reflects on how music can often provide the little glimmers of hope that you need to get through the toughest of times, and shares tracks by the likes of Alice Coltrane, Sigur Rós and JFDR.

Plus the British actress and UNHCR goodwill ambassador Gugu Mbatha-Raw transports us to her Safe Haven, the place she feels the most calm - her bath.

Produced by Katie Callin
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3 and BBC Sounds


FRI 22:00 Night Tracks (m00261pf)
Meditative music for late night solace

Hannah Peel presents a sparkling and immersive soundtrack of music for the nights before Christmas, from Ice music to festive folk, and electronics to medieval carols.


FRI 23:30 The Sleeping Forecast (p0dq88tc)
Wrap up, settle down

Sleep soundly with Radio 4’s Shipping Forecast over gentle music from BBC Introducing.

Produced by Gabriel Francis
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Sounds

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play The Sleeping Forecast”