RADIO-LISTS: BBC RADIO 3
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC Radio 3 — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/
SATURDAY 18 APRIL 2026
SAT 00:30 Through the Night (m002trc9)
Bach, Biber and Buxtehude from Bucharest
Bach, Biber and Buxtehude with Mira Glodeanu and the SEMPRE baroque music ensemble. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Matthias Weckmann (1616-1674)
Toccata no 10 in D minor
Raluca Enea (harpsichord)
12:34 AM
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata no 1 'The Annunciation'
Mira Glodeanu (baroque violin), Sempre baroque music ensemble
12:41 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Violin Sonata in G, BWV.1021
Mira Glodeanu (baroque violin), Sempre baroque music ensemble
12:49 AM
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Trio Sonata in A minor BuxWV 272
Mira Glodeanu (baroque violin), Sempre baroque music ensemble
12:57 AM
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Mystery (Rosary) Sonata no 10 'The Crucifixion'
Mira Glodeanu (baroque violin), Sempre baroque music ensemble
01:05 AM
Matthias Weckmann (1616-1674),Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Toccata no 9 in D minor; Mystery (Rosary) Sonata no 16 'The Guardian Angel'
Mira Glodeanu (baroque violin), Raluca Enea (harpsichord)
01:18 AM
Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707)
Trio Sonata in D minor, BuxWV 257
Mira Glodeanu (baroque violin), István Csata (viola da gamba), Sempre baroque music ensemble
01:27 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Musical Offering in C minor, BWV.1079
Nova Stravaganza, Wilbert Hazelzet (flute), Lisa Marie Landgraf (violin), Dimitri Dichtiar (cello), Siegbert Rampe (harpsichord)
02:16 AM
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Crucifixus and Resurrexit (part of Credo) from Missa Sancti Henrici (1701)
Regensburger Domspatzen, Collegium Aureum, Herbert Metzger (organ), Georg Ratzinger (conductor)
02:20 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
4 Lieder from the Schemelli songbook (BWV.443, 468, 470 & 439)
Bernarda Fink (mezzo soprano), Domen Marincic (gamba), Dalibor Miklavcic (organ)
02:31 AM
Johan Svendsen (1840-1911)
Symphony no 2 in B flat major, Op 15
Stavanger Symphony Orchestra, Susanna Mälkki (conductor)
03:05 AM
Karol Szymanowski (1882-1937)
Piano Sonata no 2 in A major, Op 21
Jerzy Godziszewski (piano)
03:34 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
3 Chansons for unaccompanied chorus
BBC Singers, Alison Smart (soprano), Judith Harris (mezzo soprano), Daniel Auchincloss (tenor), Stephen Charlesworth (baritone), Stephen Cleobury (conductor)
03:41 AM
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)
Moses fantaisie (after Rossini) arr. unknown for double bass and piano
Gary Karr (double bass), Harmon Lewis (piano)
03:49 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Concerto in A minor for Two Recorders, TWV.52:a2
Lea Sobbe (recorder), Hojin Kwon (recorder), Jörg-Andreas Bötticher (harpsichord), Schola Cantorum Basiliensis Instrumental Ensemble
03:59 AM
Rudolf Matz (1901-1988)
Ballade for violin, cello & piano
Zagreb Piano Trio
04:07 AM
Bernat Vivancos (b.1973)
Nigra sum
Latvijas Radio Koris, Sigvards Kļava (conductor)
04:16 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Rondo in C minor Wq.59`4 for keyboard
Andreas Staier (fortepiano)
04:21 AM
Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835), Unknown (arr.)
Oboe Concerto in E flat (arr. for trumpet)
Geoffrey Payne (trumpet), Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Michael Halász (conductor)
04:31 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Prague Waltzes, B.99
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Štefan Róbl (conductor)
04:39 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Four Mazurkas, Op 30
Jakub Kuszlik (piano)
04:48 AM
Wilhelm Stenhammar (1871-1927)
Varnatt (Spring Night)
Swedish Radio Choir, Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Stefan Sköld (conductor)
04:57 AM
Howard Cable (1920-2016)
The Banks of Newfoundland
Hannaford Street Silver Band, Stephen Chenette (conductor)
05:05 AM
Fernando Sor (1778-1839)
Introduction and variations on Mozart's 'O cara armonia' for guitar, Op 9
Xavier Díaz-Latorre (guitar)
05:14 AM
Francesco Cavalli (1602-1676)
Lauda Jerusalem (Psalm 147, 'How good it is to sing praises to our God')
Concerto Palatino
05:23 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Cello Sonata in A minor, Op 36
Truls Mørk (cello), Håvard Gimse (piano)
05:51 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Sonata in C major, K.545 (1778)
Vanda Albota (piano)
06:02 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Edmund Rubbra (arr.)
25 Variations and fugue on a theme by G F Handel, Op 24
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Johannes Fritzsch (conductor)
SAT 06:30 Breakfast (m002v1qs)
Wake up with classical music
Al Ryan 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 (m002v1qv)
Live music from violinist Alena Baeva
Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack for the weekend!
Described as “a magnetic presence”, violinist Alena Baeva is Tom's guest this morning. She brings her violin to the studio with pianist Vadym Kholodenko to perform pieces from their brand new Beethoven album and chat about a hugely exciting year of musical projects.
SAT 12:00 Earlier... with Jools Holland (m002v1qx)
Classical, blues and jazz for the weekend
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 Schumann, John Ireland and Toshiko Akiyoshi, with performances by pianist Rebeca Omordia, pianist Winifred Atwell and guitarist Luise Walker. His guest is the architectural historian Sir Charles Saumarez Smith, who talks to Jools about the life and work of the 18th-century architect and playwright John Vanbrugh, who died 300 years ago. We hear music connected with Vanbrugh, including Purcell, Cavalli and Handel.
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 (m002v1qz)
1182: Raising Notre-Dame
19 May 1182. The High Altar of the new Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is consecrated. Within the walls of this architectural wonder, a musical revolution takes place. Responding to the cathedral's awesome acoustics, musicians working and worshipping there develop the most complicated and elaborate music yet: Notre-Dame polyphony.
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
With thanks to Professor Emma Dillon (King's College London).
Key Changes theme tune composed by Joseph Howard and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Kerem Hasan.
MUSIC DETAILS
Leonin: Viderunt omnes
Tonus Peregrinus
Anthony Pitts (conductor)
Perotin: Viderunt omnes
The Hilliard Ensemble
Claudio Monteverdi: Vespro Della Beata Vergine (Deus in adjutorium)
Venice Monteverdi Academy Choir
Ensemble Lorenzo da Ponte
Roberto Zarpellon (conductor)
Herbert Howells: The Winchester Service (Magnificat)
Winchester Cathedral Choir
Andrew Lumsden (conductor)
Simon Bell (organ)
Cecilia McDowall: Alma redemptoris mater
The Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge
Stephen Layton (conductor)
Charles-Marie Widor: Toccata (Symphony No. 5)
Olivier Latry (organ of Notre-Dame de Paris)
Anonymous: Estampie Fragment (Robertsbridge Codex)
Guy Bovet (organ of Valere Basilica, Sion, Switzerland)
Perotin: Viderunt omnes
BBC Singers
Owain Park (conductor)
Steve Reich: Music for 18 musicians
Steve Reich and musicians
Anonymous: Ce que je teing / Certes Mouts / Bone compagnie / Manere (Montpellier Codex)
Anonymous 4
Anonymous: On parole / A Paris / Frese nouvele (Montpellier Codex)
Clemencic Consort
To listen to this programme using most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Key Changes."
SAT 14:00 Record Review (m002v1r1)
Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9 in Building a Library with Yshani Perinpanayagam and Andrew McGregor
Andrew McGregor with the best of the week's new classical releases.
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2.10pm Harpsichordist and choral director Joseph McHardy joins Andrew with a batch of his favourite new releases.
3pm Building a Library: Pianist and composer Yshani Perinpanayagam surveys recordings of Shostakovich's Symphony No. 9 and makes a top recommendation.
"Musicians will like to play it, and critics will delight in blasting it." That's what Shostakovich accurately predicted of his Symphony No. 9, premiered by the Leningrad Philharmonic in 1945. Initially intended as a celebration of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II, the work is lighter in character than most of Shostakovich's other symphonies.
SAT 16:00 Sound of Cinema (m002v1r3)
Once Upon A Time...
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Edith Bowman presents your regular round‑up of film and TV soundtracks, featuring a magical celebration of fantasy and adventure.
This week’s show celebrates 90 years of movie magic, featuring music by Harry Gregson‑Williams and John Powell, John Williams, James Horner, Trevor Jones and Angela Morley. From the fairy‑tale magic of Shrek to the dark enchantment of The Dark Crystal, the wonder of The NeverEnding Story, the soaring music of Hook and many more, these scores showcase how fantasy on screen has been brought to life through unforgettable music.
Composer Nitin Sawhney guides us through Harmonising Hollywood, focusing on Howard Shore’s legendary score for The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.
We also welcome actor and musician Jeff Goldblum, who shares his Pick of the Flicks - a much‑loved score that plays a pivotal role in its film.
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3, Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
SAT 17:00 This Classical Life (m002v1r5)
Jess Gillam with... Sterling Elliott
Jess Gillam swaps music choices with the American cellist Sterling Elliott, who is a BBC New Generation Artist and performs regularly with the Sphinx Organisation, as well as with orchestras including the New York Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Sterling's picks include Claude Debussy's Prelude from Suite Bergamasque, a lesser-known Piano Quartet from Guillaume Lekeu, Be(Intro) by US rapper Common, and Stevie Wonder's iconic Sir Duke. Jess chose music from Prokofiev's 5th Symphony, a captivating track by Johan Lindvall, and folk music from Gjermund Haugen played by the Danish String Quartet.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3”.
SAT 18:00 Opera on 3 (m002v1r7)
Kaija Saariaho's Innocence
Live from the Metropolitan Opera in New York, Kaija Saariaho's Innocence starring Vilma Jää as the grieving mother and Joyce DiDonato as the Waitress. Susanna Mälkki conducts.
Described by tonight's conductor as 'one of the most important works of our time', the Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho's final opera depicts the consequences of a violent school shooting in Helsinki, as well as the trauma left in its wake. Anchored by mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato as a waitress, the cast also includes Finnish ethno-pop singer Vilma Jää in the roles of both a grieving mother and daughter she lost in the shooting. Soprano Jacquelyn Stucker and tenor Miles Mykkanen perform as the young couple at whose wedding, a decade after the tragedy, the mother of one of the victims comes face to face with the family of the perpetrator, while Saariaho's eerie and yet darkly beautiful score raises questions about a society where the inconceivable happens repeatedly, and the degree to which guilt is shared by all.
Presented by Debra Lew Harder with commentator Ira Siff.
Kaija Saariaho: Innocence
Bride ….. Jacquelyn Stucker (soprano)
Mother-In-Law ….. Kathleen Kim (soprano)
Waitress ….. Joyce DiDonato (mezzo-soprano)
Bridegroom ….. Miles Mykkanen (tenor)
Father-In-Law ….. Rod Gilfry (baritone)
Priest ….. Stephen Milling (bass-baritone)
Teacher ….. Lucy Shelton (singer)
Markéta ….. Vilma Jää (folk singer)
Lilly ….. Beate Mordal (singing actor)
Iris ….. Julie Hega (actor)
Anton ….. Simon Kluth (actor)
Jerónimo ….. Camilo Delgado Díaz (actor)
Alexia ….. Marina Dumont Anastassiadou (actor)
Metropolitan Opera Chorus
Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
Susanna Mälkki (conductor)
SAT 20:15 Radio 3 in Concert (m002v1r9)
David Bednall's St Mark Passion
St Mark Passion: a new setting by David Bednall
The BBC Singers give the world premiere of a dramatic setting of the passion story. As David Bednall writes: 'The work focuses particularly on the human drama and tragedy at the heart of the Gospel, which features a number of characters making difficult and frequently wrong decisions, but ones which can be understood perhaps in context... St Mark’s Gospel is considered to be the first of the canonical accounts and in the original it ends as it does here, with the disciples fleeing the empty tomb in terror and saying nothing to anyone as they were afraid.'
David Bednall: St Mark Passion (WP)
With a libretto taken from William Tyndale’s translation of the Gospel of St Mark, arranged by The Reverend Canon Neville Boundy.
BBC Singers
Brass and percussion ensemble from the Orchestra of English National Opera
Andrew Lumsden (organ)
Sofi Jeannin (conductor)
SAT 21:30 Music Planet (m002v1rc)
Celebrating the Queen of Salsa
Lopa Kothari looks ahead to La Linea - London’s largest and longest-running Latin music festival - with Las Salseras live in session. Led by renowned music director Eliane Correa, the group is the UK’s first all-star female salsa orchestra, coming together for a one-night-only festival tribute to Celia Cruz (1925 - 2003) as part of the ongoing musical celebrations marking the centenary of Cuba's salsa icon. For Music Planet, the group performs selections from across her repertoire in a stripped-back, intimate setting.
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 (m002v1rf)
Eavesdropping: Nathalie Forget & Audrey Chen
Kate Molleson presents recordings from this year's Eavesdropping festival of experimental music, curated by the singer Juliet Fraser and staged at London's Cafe OTO. Tonight, one of the world's leading players of the ondes martenot, Nathalie Forget, performs music by the Romanian composer Ana-Maria Avram and an improvisation in collaboration with vocalist Audrey Chen. Elsewhere in the programme, there's the chance to hear orchestral music by Katherine Balch and Oliver Leith in performances by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and BBC Symphony Orchestra. Plus Minus Ensemble with two of their "covers" commissions - modern re-imaginings of landmark 20th-century compositions - and a suite of music for balls - marbles, ping-pong and basketballs - by Ryoji Ikeda recorded at the Barbican in February.
SUNDAY 19 APRIL 2026
SUN 00:30 Through the Night (m002v1rh)
BBC Proms 2024: First Night
Clara Schumann's Piano Concerto with star soloist Isata Kanneh-Mason and Beethoven's Fifth Symphony take centre-stage alongside a world premiere of Ben Nobuto's Hallelujah Sim. Elim Chan conducts the BBC Symphony Orchestra, joined by soprano Sophie Bevan, the BBC Singers and BBC Symphony Chorus. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759), Charles Mackerras (arr.)
Overture from 'Music for the Royal Fireworks in D major, HWV.351'
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elim Chan (conductor)
12:39 AM
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
Psalm 150, WAB 38
Sophie Bevan (soprano), BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus, Neil Ferris (choirmaster), BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elim Chan (conductor)
12:48 AM
Clara Schumann (1819-1896)
Piano Concerto in A minor, Op 7
Isata Kanneh-Mason (piano), BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elim Chan (conductor)
01:10 AM
George Gershwin (1898-1937), Percy Grainger (arr.)
The Man I Love, from 'Strike up the Band'
Isata Kanneh-Mason (piano)
01:14 AM
Ben Nobuto (b.1996)
Hallelujah Sim.
BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Chorus, Neil Ferris (choirmaster), BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elim Chan (conductor)
01:25 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony no 5 in C minor, Op 67
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elim Chan (conductor)
01:55 AM
Clara Schumann (1819-1896)
Impromptu in E major
Diana Ketler (piano)
01:59 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Piano Trio in E flat major, Op 1 no 1
Grieg Trio
02:31 AM
Joseph Martin Kraus (1756-1792)
Sinfonie in E flat, Vb.144
Concerto Köln
02:51 AM
Gustav Uwe Jenner (1865-1920)
Trio in E flat major for clarinet, horn and piano
James Campbell (clarinet), Martin Hackleman (horn), Jane Coop (piano)
03:18 AM
Claudio Monteverdi (1567-1643)
Magnificat II
Chorus of Swiss Radio, Lugano, Diego Fasolis (conductor)
03:29 AM
César Franck (1822-1890)
Prelude, Fugue and Variation
Robert Silverman (piano)
03:41 AM
Gaspar Sanz (1640-1710)
Tarantella
Eduardo Egüez (guitar)
03:49 AM
Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
Sonata no 1 in G major for string orchestra
Romanian National Chamber Orchestra, Ludovic Bacs (conductor)
04:03 AM
Josquin des Prez (c1440 - 1521),Anonymous
3 pieces
Clare Wilkinson (mezzo soprano), Musica Antiqua of London, Philip Thorby (director)
04:11 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Prelude à l'apres-midi d'un faune
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Simone Young (conductor)
04:22 AM
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901), Franz Liszt (arr.)
Paraphrase on Rigoletto
Michele Campanella (piano)
04:31 AM
Doreen Carwithen (1922-2003)
Sonatina for cello and piano
Andrei Ioniță (cello), Lilit Grigoryan (piano)
04:42 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Bacchanalia (no 10 from Poeticke nalady)
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Robert Stankovsky (conductor)
04:47 AM
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
Chanson Louis XIII et Pavane in the Style of Couperin
Barnabas Kelemen (violin), Zóltan Kocsis (piano)
04:53 AM
Cornel Taranu (1934-2023)
'Siciliana Blues' for piano and orchestra
Andrei Deleanu (piano), Romanian Radio Chamber Orchestra, Horia Andreescu (conductor)
05:06 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Bassoon Concerto in B flat, K 191
Dag Jensen (bassoon), Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Paavo Berglund (conductor)
05:25 AM
Richard Wagner (1813-1883), Felix Mottl (arr.)
Funf Lieder von Mathilde von Wesendonck
Yvonne Minton (mezzo soprano), Netherlands Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Kurt Masur (conductor)
05:44 AM
Erik Gustaf Geijer (1783-1847)
Sonata for Piano (four hands) in F minor
Stefan Bojsten (piano duo), Anders Kilström (piano duo)
06:05 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
The Lark Ascending
Pekka Kuusisto (violin), Basel Symphony Orchestra, Ivor Bolton (conductor)
06:21 AM
Orlande de Lassus (1532-1594)
Pelli meae consumptis carnibus
King's Singers
SUN 06:30 Breakfast (m002v1vx)
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 (m002v1vz)
Three Hours of Classical Sparkle
Sarah Walker with three hours of classical music to reflect, restore and refresh, whether you’re busy tackling chores or having some down time after a busy week.
Today’s Choral Reflection comes from the Choir of Merton College, Oxford and their conductor Benjamin Nicholas – John Tavener’s beautifully tender “Mother of God, Here I Stand”, taken from his epic 8-hour-long “The Veil of the Temple”.
There’s also a chance to hear Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 9 "Jeunehomme" in full, from a hot-off-the-press, brand new recording by Canadian star pianist Jack Lisiecki, with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra and Manfred Honeck.
Also, Sarah’s Sunday Sequence will weave together - among other things - candle-making, the River Thames and a reluctant nun… tune in to find out how!
A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3.
SUN 12:00 Private Passions (m002v1w1)
Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, entrepreneur
Dietmar Mueller-Elmau is the owner of Schloss Elmau, a resort hotel in the Bavarian Alps, 60 miles from Munich. It was set up in 1916 by his grandfather, the philosopher and writer Johannes Müller. He wanted people to take “a holiday from the ego” and to enjoy classical concerts.
Over the decades, it hosted performances by the likes of Benjamin Britten, Yehudi Menuhin and Alfred Brendel. Dietmar continues that tradition, with musicians such as Yuja Wang and the Kanneh-Masons, along with jazz concerts, events with writers and philosophers, and the G7 leaders conference – twice.
Dietmar's music choices include Mendelssohn, Beethoven, Liszt and Chopin.
SUN 13:30 Music Map (m002czv8)
A journey to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Sara Mohr-Pietsch explores musical connections that lead to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf. It was composed in 1936, a children's piece set against the backdrop of Stalinist Russia. We hear music based on fairy tales, other classical pieces for children, and music inspired by animals - ending with the classic recording of Peter and the Wolf with David Bowie as narrator, with the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Eugene Ormandy.
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3 Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in Sound of Cinema, actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in Words & Music, and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales, in Classical Live and Unclassified. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
SUN 15:00 Music Matters (m002v1w3)
Curtain Up: Classical Stories of Musical Theatre
Contemporary crossovers
Tenor Nicky Spence explores the deep and often-overlooked connections between classical music and the world of musical theatre.
In Episode 3, Nicky considers the influence of classical music on musical theatre from the 1980s to the present day, delving into the operatic roots of ‘sung-through’ musicals such as Les Miserables and Hadestown, as well as exploring musicals based on the lives of classical composers.
Nicky talks to the star soprano Renée Fleming, who has performed both operatic and musical theatre roles, about the joys and challenges of working across the two disciplines.
Nicky and his husband, the pianist Dylan Perez, also perform musical excerpts from Schubert's Die schöne Müllerin and Jason Robert Brown's The Last Five Years, drawing out hidden connections.
Produced by Rachel Gill for BBC Audio.
SUN 16:00 Jazz Record Requests (m002v1w5)
A Sunday Kind of Jazz
Alyn Shipton presents jazz records of all styles as requested by you, including music from Carla Bley, Tim Garland & Art Pepper. Also, we remember the late broadcaster, writer and former Jazz Record Requests presenter Geoffrey Smith.
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 (m002v1w7)
Music in Le Marais
Hannah French explores the Marais disctrict of Paris, especially its churches which were home to some of France's best known musicians in the 17th and 18th Centuries and beyond, including Nicolas Lebegue, Marc-Antoine Charpentier, Michel-Richard de Lalande, Elizabeth Jaquet de la Guerre, Louis & François Couperin and Marin Marais himself.
SUN 18:00 Choral Evensong (m002tmfv)
Guildford Cathedral
From Guildford Cathedral.
Introit: As the apple tree (Robert Walker)
Responses: Clucas
Psalm 78 (Dienes-Williams, Martin, Statham, Clarke, Howells, Walker)
First Lesson: Hosea 5 v15-6 v6
Canticles: Evening Service in D (Dyson)
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15 vv1-11
Anthem: The Day of Resurrection (Melissa Dunphy)
Voluntary: Surrexit hodie (Francis Pott)
Katherine Dienes-Williams (Organist and Master of the Choristers)
Asher Oliver (Sub Organist)
Recorded 9 March.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.
SUN 19:00 Sunday Feature (m002v1w9)
Afterwords: Rosemary Brown
"The first time I saw Franz Liszt, I was about seven years old, and already accustomed to seeing the spirits of the so-called dead..." - Rosemary Brown
Afterwords explores the work of Rosemary Brown, an English musician and spirit medium who said her pieces were dictated to her by dead composers like Liszt, Beethoven, Chopin and Debussy. Entering the spotlight in the late 1960s, Brown's work was analysed by musicologists and composers, discussed by priests and talk show hosts. It opened up discussions on the afterlife, on the nature of composition itself and on musical performance as a type of conceptual art.
In this archive-led documentary, we dive into some of the recordings from the time and hear new interviews with the composer Neil Luck, pianist Siwan Rhys, radio presenter and journalist Kate Molleson, Spectator Arts Editor and Director of the London Contemporary Music Festival, Igor Toronyi-Lalic and the radio producer Daniel Snowman who interviewed Rosemary Brown in 1969.
Produced by Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 3
SUN 19:45 Words and Music (m002v1wd)
Once Upon a Time...
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, we're meeting princesses, princes, wicked stepmothers... and a whole host of other characters in this fairy tale inspired edition of Words and Music. We're travelling back in time with readings from some of the earliest written versions of classic stories from fairy tale masters Hans Christian Anderson, The Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault; and we're also bang up to date with modern retellings from Nikita Gill and Jeanette Winterson There's music from Tchaikovsky's ballet Sleeping Beauty and Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. We're visiting Bluebeard's Castle with music from Bartok and Angela Carter, The Land of Nod in Robert Louis Stevenson's poem, and grandma with Little Red Riding Hood.
The readers are Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson
Producer: Jessica Treen
Readings:
Charles Perrault – Cinderella
AE Stallings – Fairy tale Logic
Giambattista Basile - How The Tale Came to Be Told
Clara Doty Bates – Little Red Riding Hood
William Shakespeare – A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Ella McLeod – Rapunzella
Robert Louis Stevenson- The Land of Nod
Hans Christian Anderson – The Little Mermaid
Andrew Lang- Rumpelstiltkin
Angela Carter – The Bloody Chamber
Tom Hood – The Sleeping Beauty
Christina Rosetti – The Prince’s Progress
Angela Carter – The Frog Maiden
Evelyn Sharp – The Princess and the Poet
Ben Johnson – The Fairy Beam Upon You
Jeanette Winterson – Sexing the Cherry
Robert Browning – Pied Piper
Nikita Gill – The Miller’s Daughter
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
SUN 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m002lb5k)
Erland Cooper: Series 5
Musical reflections on time ft Sean Shibe
Erland Cooper looks to the past for inspiration in this episode, with musical selections related to childhood, ageing and the passing of time. He plays music by artists that have stayed with him over the years and pays tribute to some poets that helped shape the person he is today. There’s a tribute to his favourite singing voice, that of the curlew, and tracks by the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Ennio Morricone and Julianna Barwick.
Plus the Scottish guitarist Sean Shibe transports us to the past via his musical safe haven, through a piece of music filled with deep melancholy that always brings him calm.
Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production
SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m002v1wj)
Dissolve into a nocturnal soundworld
Sara Mohr-Pietsch presents an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening, from classical to contemporary and everything in between.
SUN 23:30 Unclassified (m002v1wm)
Once Upon A Time...
Join Elizabeth Alker for a selection of fresh music from genre-defying artists as we journey through landscapes of the folkloric and fairytale-inspired experimental sounds as part of the BBC's ‘Once Upon a Time’ season. Along the way, we'll hear from emerging independent producers whose work plays with orchestral textures and classical form as well as the latest sounds from a new generation of contemporary composers who look to embrace the spirit of rock, pop and electronica.
Produced by Alex Yates
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3, Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
MONDAY 20 APRIL 2026
MON 00:30 Through the Night (m002v1wp)
Accademia Bizantina from Rome
Inaugural concert of the harpsichord donated to the Presidency of the Republic by the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region. Music by JS Bach, CPE Bach, Vivaldi and Abel. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Keyboard Concerto no 5 in F minor, BWV.1056
Accademia Bizantina, Alessandro Tampieri (leader), Maddalena Del Gobbo (viola da gamba), Ana Liz Ojeda Hernández (violin), Marco Massera (viola), Alessandro Palmeri (cello), Nicola Dal Maso (violone), Ottavio Dantone (director)
12:41 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Violin Sonata in G minor, H. 542.5
Ana Liz Ojeda Hernández (violin), Accademia Bizantina, Ottavio Dantone (director)
12:53 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Keyboard Concerto no 4 in A major, BWV.1055
Accademia Bizantina, Ottavio Dantone (director)
01:07 AM
Carl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787)
Viola da Gamba Sonata in E minor, WK 150
Maddalena Del Gobbo (viola da gamba), Accademia Bizantina, Ottavio Dantone (director)
01:16 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Concerto for Strings in F major, RV.138
Accademia Bizantina, Ottavio Dantone (director)
01:22 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Duo for flute and violin, Wq.140
Arte dei Suonatori
01:27 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Suite for cello solo no 4 in E flat major, BWV.1010
Guy Fouquet (cello)
01:52 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Cantata BWV.21 'Ich hatte viel Bekummernis'
Hana Blažíková (soprano), Thomas Hobbs (tenor), Peter Kooij (bass), Collegium Vocale, Collegium Vocale Gent Orchestra, Philippe Herreweghe (conductor)
02:31 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Trio for piano and strings no 4, Op 90 "Dumky"
Trio Lorenz, Primoz Lorenz (piano), Tomaž Lorenz (violin), Matija Lorenz (cello)
03:06 AM
Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
Septet in B flat
Fredrik Ekdahl (bassoon), Hanna Thorell (cello), Kristian Möller (clarinet), Mattias Karlsson (double bass), Ayman Al Fakir (horn), Linn Löwengren-Elkvull (viola), Roger Olsson (violin)
03:28 AM
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Love Scene - from the opera 'Feuersnot', Op 50
Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis (conductor)
03:37 AM
Henry Purcell (1659-1695)
Sonata no 6 for 2 violins and continuo in G minor, Z.807
Il Tempo Ensemble
03:44 AM
Anton Bruckner (1824-1896)
2 graduals for chorus: Locus iste & Christus Factus est
Danish National Radio Choir, Jesper Grove Jorgensen (conductor)
03:52 AM
Louis Spohr (1784-1859)
Harp Fantasia no 2 in C minor, Op 35
Mojca Zlobko Vaigl (harp)
04:01 AM
Daniel Auber (1782-1871)
Overture from Le Cheval de bronze
Bratislava Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Štefan Róbl (conductor)
04:10 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
32 Variations for Piano in C minor, Wo
0.80
Antti Siirala (piano)
04:21 AM
Joan Baptista Pla i Agustí (1720-1773)
Sonata in D major, for flute, violin and basso continuo
La Guirlande
04:31 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Ruy Blas (overture), Op 95
BBC Symphony Orchestra, Jiří Bělohlávek (conductor)
04:39 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
7 Klavierstucke in Fughettenform Op.126 for piano (nos.5-7)
Andreas Staier (piano), Tobias Koch (piano)
04:48 AM
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Litanies à la Vierge Noire version for women's voices and organ (1936)
La Gioia, Diane Verdoodt (soprano), Ilse Schelfhout (soprano), Kristien Vercammen (soprano), Bernadette De Wilde (soprano), Lieve Mertens (mezzo soprano), Els Van Attenhoven (mezzo soprano), Peter Thomas (organ)
04:58 AM
Francesco Geminiani (1687-1762)
Concerto grosso in E minor, Op 3 no 6
Camerata Bern, Thomas Furi (conductor)
05:07 AM
Anonymous
3 Sephardische Romanzen
Montserrat Figueras (soprano), Hesperion XX, Jordi Savall (director)
05:16 AM
Ferenc Farkas (1905-2000)
5 Ancient Hungarian dances for wind quintet
Academic Wind Quintet
05:27 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Quartet for strings in G minor, Op 10
RTÉ Vanbrugh String Quartet
05:53 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Sonetto 123 di Petrarca (S.158 No.3): Io vidi in terra angelici costumi
Janina Fialkowska (piano)
06:01 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Symphony no 2 in B flat major (D. 125)
Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Saarbrücken, Marcelle Viotti (conductor)
MON 06:30 Breakfast (m002v1wr)
Wake up your senses 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 (m002v1wt)
Your perfect classical playlist
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 (m002v1ww)
Once Upon A Time... Hans Christian Andersen
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Elizabeth Alker introduces a week long celebration of the fairy tale in music. Elizabeth begins her journey in the world the great Danish creator of tales, Hans Christian Andersen.
Also in today’s Classical Live, specially recorded performances from lutenist Thomas Dunford from LSO St. Luke’s and as usual Classical Live begins its Mondays with a live concert from Wigmore Hall. Today the internationally-acclaimed vocal group VOCES8 present an eclectic mix of music through the ages
Live from Wigmore Hall
VOCES8
Tomás Luis de Victoria - Regina caeli a 8
Eric Whitacre - All Seems Beautiful to Me
Lucy Walker - Give Me Your Stars
Gustav Holst - Nunc dimittis
Franz Schubert - Liebe Op. 17 No. 2
Michael McGlynn - Dúlamán
Taylor Scott Davis - To Sing of Love - A Triptych: II. ‘Effortlessly’
Traditional (arranged by Joshua Pacey) - Danny Boy
Bill Conti (arranged by Jim Clements) - For Your Eyes Only
John Barry (arranged by Jim Clements) - You Only Live Twice
Irving Berlin (arranged by Jim Clements) - Cheek to Cheek
Vernon Duke (arranged by Jim Clements) - April in Paris
Introduced by Petroc Trelawny
*****
c
14:00
Presented by Elizabeth Alker
Igor Stravinsky
The Fairy’s Kiss - Divertimento
(After music by Tchaikovsky)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Andrei Feher (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends:
John Dowland
Praeludium
Fortune My Foe
A fancy
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Alexander von Zemlinsky
The Mermaid (Die Seejungfrau)
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
Jonathon Nott (conductor)
Robert Schumann
Hans Christian Andersen Settings, Op. 40 (selection)
Jonas Müller (baritone)
Denis Kozhukhin (piano)
Igor Stravinsky
The Song of the Nightingale
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3 Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales, in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
MON 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002v1wy)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
The Esterhaza Opera
“Haydn! The admirable and matchless Haydn!” That is how the composer and writer on music Charles Burney described the composer. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores how, before Burney came up with this effusive accolade, Haydn grew to become the most famous composer in the world, despite being holed up on a remote Hungarian estate, far from the musical in-crowds.
We will explore Haydn’s operatic successes, his attempts to infiltrate the Viennese musical world, and his relationship with the other great composer of his day – Mozart. Donald also discovers the contractual arrangement which allowed Haydn's music to spread throughout Europe, and the circumstances which led to him leaving the employ of the Esterhazy family, just as his fame was hitting its height and Haydn himself was beginning to despair at being stuck in the Hungarian countryside.
In Monday’s episode, Donald explores the close knit Esterhaza community and the relationships which flourished there. He’ll also discover how Haydn’s employer Prince Nicolaus Eszterhazy abandoned his obsession for an obsolete musical instrument in favour of opera. We’ll learn of the catastrophic fire which burned the Esterhaza opera house to the ground, destroying many of Haydn’s instruments in the process. And discover how, despite this tragedy, the Prince’s new obsession allowed Haydn to create music of which he was proud and which also allowed him to cultivate and protect his own, more intimate relationships within the Esterhaza household.
Baryton Trio no.126 - Finale
Eszterhazy Ensemble
Philemon und Baucis - Triumph, dem Gott der Gotter! (chorus)
Christoph Genz, tenor (Philemon)
Jan Petryka, tenor (Aret)
Maren Engelhardt, mezzo-soprano (Baucis)
Alexandra Reinprecht, soprano (Narcissa)
Vocalforum Graz
Haydn Sinfonietta Wien
Manfred Huss, conductor
Il mondo della luna - Overture
Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
Ola Rudner, conductor
Il mondo della luna - Non aver di me sospetto
Thomas Quasthoff, baritone (Buonafede)
Genia Kühmeier, soprano (Lisetta)
Freiburger Barockorchester
Gottfried von der Golz, conductor
Symphony no 59 in A major, Hob I:59 “Fire”
Il Giardino Armonico
Giovanni Antonini, conductor
Armida - Se pietade avete, oh numi
Simona Houda-Saturova, soprano (Armida)
NDR Radiophilharmonie
Alessandro de Marchi, conductor
l’isola disabitata – Fra un dolce deliro
Patricia Petibon, soprano (Silvia)
Concerto Koln
Daniel Harding, conductor
Producer: Sam Phillips
MON 17:00 In Tune (m002v1x0)
Pianist Chloe Flower
Live music from pianist Chloe Flower.
MON 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002hn05)
Power through with classical music
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music.
MON 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002v1x4)
BBC Symphony Orchestra from Seoul
The BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Sakari Oramo on tour from Seoul plays Strauss's Don Juan, Sibelius's Symphony No. 2, and Britten's Piano Concerto with soloist Yeol Eum Son.
Recorded at the Concert Hall of the Seoul Arts Centre on 24th and 25th March 2026. Presented by Petroc Trelawny.
Richard Strauss: Don Juan op. 20
Benjamin Britten: Piano Concerto (rev 1945) op 13*
Interval
Jean Sibelius: Symphony No 2 in D major
Yeol Eum Son (Piano)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Sakari Oramo (conductor)
South Korean pianist Yeol Eum Son joins the BBC Symphony Orchestra on tour in her home country in Benjamin Britten’s Piano Concerto, premiered by the composer at the BBC Proms in 1938. The perfect work to show the scope of her playing, the concerto displays all the brilliant virtuosity and sardonic wit of Britten's precocious early music. Great Sibelius interpreter Sakari Oramo completes the concert with Sibelius's Symphony No. 2, the work that first put the composer on the map and a piece written in the summer climes of Italy. First, hold on to your hats as proceedings launch with the young Richard Strauss's tone poem Don Juan, a tale of the infamous libertine of its title, with its dashing colours and vivid characterisation.
MON 21:45 The Essay (m002v6z8)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
Death in Deptford
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.
The first episode opens with the infamous murder of Christopher Marlowe in 1593. Was he murdered by dark political forces or simply the victim of a dispute over the bill, or ‘reckoning’? As well as establishing a murder mystery around Kit, this episode introduces him as an outsider in his class, sexuality and outlook. Jerry argues that it is Marlowe, not Shakespeare, who creates the conditions for Elizabethan drama as we know it today, which remains the DNA of all later English theatre.
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 (m002v1x6)
Eclectic music for after dark
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 (m002v1x8)
Tawiah’s 4/4
From Monday to Thursday this week, Soweto is joined by South London singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and film score composer Tawiah. She is widely recognised for her expansive and intricately layered compositions across her solo releases, and in recent years, as a film and television composer. Tawiah has also performed with artists including Moses Sumney, Micheal Kiwanuka, and worked as choir director for Chaka Khan’s Meltdown performance.
Her latest album, “Land of the Skies”, releases later this year.
Tawiah is sharing some of the music from her record collection that has influenced her, for 4/4. To begin her week, Tawiah chooses a release from an artist she has worked closely with and who is also a previous ‘Round Midnight guest.
There is also music from Chief Adjuah, MAE.SUN, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
‘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 21 APRIL 2026
TUE 00:30 Through the Night (m002v1xb)
Symphonic Fairy Tales from Switzerland
The St. Gallen Symphony Orchestra performs Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade suite, alongside Dohnányi's Symphonic Minutes and Gyula Dávid's Viola Concerto with soloist Dana Zemtsov. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Ernö Dohnányi (1877-1960)
Symphonic Minutes, Op 36
St Gallen Symphony Orchestra, Modestas Pitrėnas (conductor)
12:46 AM
Gyula Dávid (1913-1977)
Viola Concerto
Dana Zemtsov (viola), St Gallen Symphony Orchestra, Modestas Pitrėnas (conductor)
01:11 AM
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
Scheherazade, Op 35, symphonic suite
St Gallen Symphony Orchestra, Modestas Pitrėnas (conductor)
01:59 AM
Fazil Say (b.1970)
Ruşen Güneş Anısına
Dana Zemtsov (viola)
02:11 AM
Francisco Tárrega (1852-1909)
Recuerdos de la Alhambra
Dana Zemtsov (viola)
02:14 AM
Emmerich Imre Kalman (1882-1953)
Aria: 'Two lovely eyes' (from the operetta "The Circus Princess")
Gyõrgy Korondy (tenor), Hungarian Radio Orchestra, Tamas Brody (conductor)
02:20 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Transcendental study no 11 in D flat major
Jenõ Jandó (piano)
02:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Non sa che sia dolore - cantata, BWV.209
Robin Johannsen (soprano), Leonard Schelb (flute), Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, Raphael Alpermann (harpsichord), Bernhard Forck (conductor)
02:52 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
String Quartet no 5 in E flat major, Op 44 no 3
Consone Quartet
03:24 AM
Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Pavane pour une infante defunte
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Jorge Mester (conductor)
03:31 AM
Georges Hüe (1858-1948)
Phantasy vers. flute and piano
Iveta Kundrátová (flute), Inna Aslamasova (piano)
03:39 AM
Francesco Paolo Tosti (1846-1916)
Ideale
Kathryn Rudge (mezzo soprano), Sholto Kynoch (piano)
03:43 AM
Karol Józef Lipinski (1790-1861)
Overture in D major
Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra Krakow, Szymon Kawalla (conductor)
03:52 AM
Michael Haydn (1737-1806)
Cantata: Lauft, ihr Hirten allzugleich (Run ye shepherds, to the light)
Salzburger Hofmusik, Wolfgang Brunner (director)
04:01 AM
Arvo Pärt (b.1935)
Fratres
Tobias Feldmann (violin), Marianna Shirinyan (piano)
04:13 AM
Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837)
Rondo in B minor, Op 109
Stefan Lindgren (piano)
04:22 AM
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Traumerei am Kamin: Symphonic interlude no.2 from Intermezzo, Op 72
Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Davis (conductor)
04:31 AM
Sebastian Bodinus (c.1700-1759)
Trio for oboe and 2 bassoons in G major
Hildebrand'sche Hoboïsten Compagnie
04:40 AM
Isaac Albéniz (1860-1909), Andrés Segovia (arr.)
Asturias - Suite española, Op 47
Xavier Díaz-Latorre (guitar)
04:47 AM
Erik Satie (1866-1925), Claude Debussy (orch.)
Gymnopédies no 3 and no 1
Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Katowice, Alexander Humala (conductor)
04:53 AM
Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967)
4 Italian madrigals for female chorus
Jutland Chamber Choir, Mogens Dahl (director)
05:05 AM
Leoš Janáček (1854-1928)
In the Mists
David Kadouch (piano)
05:21 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Sonata in D major for viola da gamba and continuo, Wq.137
Friederike Heumann (viola da gamba), Dirk Börner (harpsichord)
05:38 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Concerto no 21 in C major, K.467
Håvard Gimse (piano), Trondheim Symphony Orchestra, Susanna Mälkki (conductor)
06:05 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
String Quartet no 63 in B flat major, Op 76 no 4, Hob.III:78 'Sunrise'
Pacific Quartet Vienna
TUE 06:30 Breakfast (m002v23l)
The finest classical music to elevate your morning
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 (m002v23n)
Great classical music 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”.
TUE 13:00 Classical Live (m002v23q)
Once Upon A Time... The Brothers Grimm
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Elizabeth Alker continues her celebration of the fairy tale with concert performances and specially recorded performances of pieces inspired by the folk collections of the German Grimm Brothers and France's Charles Perrault. Also in today, more from lutenist Thomas Dunford’s recent series of concerts from LSO St. Luke’s. Including:
Engelbert Humperdinck
Hansel and Gretel Suite
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Anja Bihlmaier (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends:
Robert de Visse
Sarabande en ré mineur Chaconne
Eric Satie
Gnossienne 1
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Sergei Prokofiev
Movements from Cinderella (arranged by Yevgeny Sudbin for piano 4 hands)
Yevgeny Sudbin &
Bella Sudbin (piano)
Maurice Ravel
Mother Goose (full ballet version)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
Kristian Sallinen (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends:
John Dowland
Semper Dowland Semper Dolens
Mrs Winter’s Jump
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Gustav Mahler
Cantata: Song of Lamentation (Das klagende Lied)
(original three part 1893 version)
Chen Reiss (soprano)
Stefanie Irányi (alto)
Attilio Glaser (tenor)
Dominik Wagner (baritone)
Czech Philharmonic Choir, Brno
Dominik Pernica (conductor of of the offstage orchestra)
Brno Philharmonic
Dennis Russell Davies (conductor)
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3 Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales, in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
TUE 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002v23s)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Vienna
Donald Macleod explores Haydn’s trips from Esterhaza to Vienna and his attempts to join the Viennese musical scene from afar.
“Haydn! The admirable and matchless Haydn!” That is how the composer and writer on music Charles Burney described the composer. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores how, before Burney came up with this effusive accolade, Haydn grew to become the most famous composer in the world, despite being holed up on a remote Hungarian estate, far from the musical in-crowds.
We will explore Haydn’s operatic successes, his attempts to infiltrate the Viennese musical world, and his relationship with the other great composer of his day – Mozart. Donald also discovers the contractual arrangement which allowed Haydn's music to spread throughout Europe and the circumstances which led to him leaving the employ of the Esterhazy family, just as his fame was hitting its height and Haydn himself was beginning to despair at being stuck in the Hungarian countryside.
In Tuesday’s programme, Donald explores Haydn’s trips from Esterhaza to Vienna and his delight at the luxury food and drink and musical delights on offer there. We’ll learn how Emperor Joseph’s reforms affected Haydn’s music making in the city and discover how, as a foreigner, Haydn found it difficult to break back into the Viennese musical scene, especially from afar.
Symphony no 60 – IV. Presto
City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
Simon Rattle, conductor
Piano Sonata no. 20 in C minor, Hob. XVI:20 I. Moderato
Paul Lewis, piano
Missa Cellensis Hob. XXII:8 - Gloria
Zurcher Sing-Akademie
Kammerorchester Basel
Rene Jacobs, conductor
Il Ritorno di tobia, Hob.XXI:1 – Anna, m’ascolta!
Simona Houda-Saturova, soprano (Raffaelle)
NDR Radio-Philharmonie
Alessandro de Marchi, conductor
Producer: Sam Phillips
TUE 17:00 In Tune (m002v23v)
Classical artists live in session
Live music and interviews from the world's finest classical musicians.
TUE 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002v23x)
The eclectic classical mix
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.
TUE 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002v23z)
Dvorak's 8th Symphony
Mark Wigglesworth conducts the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra performing Dani Howard's Coalescence, Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante, with star soloists Stephen Waarts and Timothy Ridout, and Dvorak's 8th Symphony.
Recorded on 15th April at Lighthouse in Poole, and presented by Ian Skelly.
Dani Howard: Coalescence
Mozart: Sinfonia Concertante, K.364
Interval
Dvořák: Symphony No.8 in G major
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra
Stephen Waarts (violin)
Timothy Ridout (viola)
Mark Wigglesworth (conductor)
Dani Howard's work Coalescence was composed in 2024 and explores the concept of mankind's attempt to outsmart nature, featuring real church bells as a warning sign from nature. Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante is one of his most dramatic and highly melodic concertos, drawing the solo violin and viola into a deep musical conversation. To end the concert is Dvořák's 8th Symphony, which was composed in 1889 to mark his election to the Bohemian Academy of Science, Literature and Arts. Often described as his most sunny work, it is also full of drama, melancholy, nostalgia and joy.
To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".
TUE 21:45 The Essay (m002v67g)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
Canterbury Tales
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.
Today, Jerry Brotton visits Canterbury, the town of Kit Marlowe’s birth. He grew up in poverty, surrounded by infant mortality, a violent shoemaker father, and witness to a world of profound religious division between Protestants and Catholics. It was a time of growing economic inequality, isolation from Europe and a xenophobic fear of immigrants - currents which would later find their way into Marlowe’s plays.
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 (m002v241)
Meditative music for night owls
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 (m002v243)
A live track from Work Money Death
Singer-songwriter and film score composer Tawiah returns with her second 4/4 record selection of the week. Tonight, she chooses an album by a UK artist and close collaborator that she appreciates.
Also in the programme, there’s music from Eve Buckley, Bennie Maupin, and Lonnie Liston Smith and the Cosmic Echoes.
‘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 22 APRIL 2026
WED 00:30 Through the Night (m002v245)
Bach, Vasks, Britten and Silvestrov
Latvian pianist Reinis Zariņš features in a chamber music concert from Riga, performing music by Bach, Vasks, Britten and Silvestrov. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), Ferruccio Busoni (arr.)
Chaconne, from Partita no 2 in D minor, BWV.1004
Reinis Zariņš (piano)
12:47 AM
Pēteris Vasks (b.1946)
Cuckoo's Voice (Spring Elegy)
Reinis Zariņš (piano)
01:00 AM
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Canticle II: Abraham and Isaac, Op 51
Janis Sipkevics (alto), Martins Klisans (tenor), Reinis Zariņš (piano)
01:18 AM
Valentin Vasilyovych Silvestrov (b.1937)
Postludium, Op 3 no 4
Reinis Zariņš (piano)
01:21 AM
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
String Quartet no 2 in C major, Op 36
Yggdrasil String Quartet
01:51 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, BWV.147 (cantata)
The Sixteen, Netherlands Radio Chamber Orchestra, Ton Koopman (conductor)
02:22 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Sonata in D minor, Wq.62/15
Gonny van der Maten (organ)
02:31 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Symphony no 9 in E minor, Op 95 'From the New World'
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Jan Söderblom (conductor)
03:17 AM
Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921)
Septet for trumpet, piano and strings in E flat major, Op 65
Ole Edvard Antonsen (trumpet), Elise Baatnes (violin), Karolina Radziej (violin), Lars Anders Tomter (viola), Hjalmer Kvam (cello), Marius Faltby (double bass), Enrico Pace (piano)
03:35 AM
Bohuslav Martinů (1890-1959)
Etudes and polkas (book 3)
Antonín Kubálek (piano)
03:44 AM
Élisabeth Jacquet de La Guerre (1665-1729)
Sonata in D major for 2 violins and continuo
Musica Fiorita, Daniela Dolci (director)
03:53 AM
Johan Peter Emilius Hartmann (1805-1900), P. Gunther (arr.), U. Teuber (arr.)
Blomstre som en rosengard (Blooming like a rose garden)
Fionian Chamber Choir, Alice Granum (director)
03:58 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Meeresstille und gluckliche Fahrt - overture, Op 27
Orchestre National de France, Riccardo Muti (conductor)
04:12 AM
Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847)
Excerpts from Songs Without Words, Op 6 (1846)
Sylviane Deferne (piano)
04:22 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Mandolin Concerto in C major, RV.425
Avi Avital (mandolin), Zürcher Kammerorchester, Willi Zimmermann (conductor)
04:31 AM
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
"Caro nome" Gilda's aria from Act 1, scene 2 of 'Rigoletto'
Inese Galante (soprano), Latvian National Symphony Orchestra, Aleksandrs Vilumanis (conductor)
04:36 AM
Luka Sorkočević (1734-1789), Frano Matušic (arr.)
Symphony no 3 in D major
Dubrovnik Guitar Trio
04:43 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Keyboard Sonata in B flat major, Hob.
16.41
Marc-André Hamelin (piano)
04:55 AM
Flor Alpaerts (1876-1954)
Zomer-idylle
Vlaams Radio Orkest [Flemish Radio Orchestra], Michel Tabachnik (conductor)
05:03 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Cello Sonata in C major, Op 102 no 1
Keum-Bong Kim (piano), Jong-Young Lee (cello)
05:19 AM
Ferruccio Busoni (1866-1924)
Suite no 2 for orchestra, Op 34a
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Esa-Pekka Salonen (conductor)
05:47 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
4 Songs for women's voices, 2 horns and harp, Op 17
Danish National Radio Choir, Leif Lind (horn), Per McClelland Jacobsen (horn), Catriona Yeats (harp), Stefan Parkman (conductor)
06:02 AM
Eustache du Caurroy (1549-1609)
11 Fantasias on 16th-Century songs
Hesperion XX, Jordi Savall (viol), Jordi Savall (director)
WED 06:30 Breakfast (m002tyns)
Kickstart your day with the best 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 (m002tynv)
The best classical morning 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”.
WED 13:00 Classical Live (m002tynx)
Once Upon A Time... Across Europe
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Elizabeth Alker journeys into Europe in her celebration of music with its roots in the fairy tale, today featuring pieces by Leoš Janáček and Robert Schumann inspired by the spirit of the genre. Also in today’s Classical Live, more from lutenist Thomas Dunford from LSO St. Luke’s and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra present a live concert of 18th and 19th century classics from its home in Salford. Including:
Giacchino Rossini
Overture - La Cenerentola
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Gianandrea Noseda (conductor)
Robert Schumann
Märchenerzählungen, Op. 132
Annelien Van Wauve (clarinet)
Eivind Holtsmark Ringstad (viola)
Pavel Kolesnikov (piano)
**********************
13:30
BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA - LIVE
Joseph Haydn
Cello Concerto in D
Robert Schumann
Symphony No.1 in Bb major, Op. 38 (Spring)
Marie Elisabeth-Hecker (cello)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Anja Bihlmaier (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends
Thomas Dunford
Toccata
Girolamo Kapsberger Libro Primo d'intavolatura di lauto - Toccata 6
Juan Ambrosio Dalza Intabulatura de Lauto, Libro 4 - Calata alla Spagnola
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Leoš Janáček
Pohadka for cello and piano
Anastasia Kobekina (cello)
Jean-Sélim Abdelmoula (piano)
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3 Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales, in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
WED 15:00 Choral Evensong (m002tynz)
Selwyn College, Cambridge.
Live 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”.
WED 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002typ1)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Amadeus
Donald Macleod explores the friendship which was kindled between the two greatest composers in the world - Haydn and Mozart.
“Haydn! The admirable and matchless Haydn!” That is how the composer and writer on music Charles Burney described the composer. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores how, before Burney came up with this effusive accolade, Haydn grew to become the most famous composer in the world, despite being holed up on a remote Hungarian estate, far from the musical in-crowds.
We will explore Haydn’s operatic successes, his attempts to infiltrate the Viennese musical world, and his relationship with the other great composer of his day – Mozart. Donald also discovers the contractual arrangement which allowed Haydn's music to spread throughout Europe and the circumstances which led to him leaving the employ of the Esterhazy family, just as his fame was hitting its height and Haydn himself was beginning to despair at being stuck in the Hungarian countryside.
In Wednesday’s episode, Donald explores the friendship which was kindled at this time between the two greatest composers in the world – Haydn and Mozart. We’ll learn the likely circumstances under which the pair met, as fellow performers in a string quartet, how the mutual respect the composers had for each other’s music led to changes in their own styles, and we'll find out how Mozart helped Haydn to join a Masonic lodge in Vienna which led to a wealth of influential contacts. Also, we’ll hear the music which Haydn wrote to pay tribute to Mozart on his death.
Symphony no 81 in G major, Hob.I:81 – I. Vivace
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Piano Sonata no.56 in D major, XVI:42
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, piano
Quartet op.33 “Russian” no 4 in B flat major – Finale
Chiaroscuro Quartet
Piano Concerto no.11 in D major
Leif Ove Andsnes, piano
Symphony no 98 in B flat major, Hob.I:98 – Adagio
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, conductor
Producer: Sam Phillips
WED 17:00 In Tune (m002typ4)
Latina pianist Eliane Correa performs the music of Celia Cruz
Latina pianist Eliane Correa, performs live on in Tune with members of Las Salseras, a 10-piece salsa orchestra made up of the UK's leading female salsa musicians.
They will be performing as part of La Linea, London's Latin music festival, to mark the centenary of the Cuban global icon, Celia Cruz.
Katie also chats to John Fulljames about the brand new Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre, a new world-class centre for the Arts and Humanities in Oxford.
WED 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002hwth)
Classical music to inspire you
Enjoy a half-hour sequence of classical music beginning with a catchy setting of "Dona Nobis Pacem" by Karl Jenkins, fluttering piano in "Butterflying" by Elena Kats-Chernin, Grieg's ever-popular "Morning Mood", and a seductive instrumental arrangement of Manual de Falla's popular Spanish song "Nana". Ethereal choral music by Kerensa Briggs sits alongside Emma Kirkby singing Buxtehude, and the transcendent beauty of Poulenc's piano concerto.
Producer: Helen Garrison
WED 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002typ8)
From the New World - Dvořák, Kapustin and Ellington
Joshua Weilerstein returns to the BBC Philharmonic for a musical postcard celebrating the 250th anniversary of American Independence.
Three joyous works each shed a different light on the sights and sounds of the USA, culminating in Dvořák's "New World" Symphony, music which celebrates his time in America, but also explores themes of identity and belonging and which is infused with a longing for his Bohemian home.
Frank Dupree makes his BBC Philharmonic debut in Kapustin's Fourth Piano Concerto, a dazzling work which marries jazz improvisation with classical virtuosity. To open, Duke Ellington's swaggering "Harlem" captures the energy and pride of Harlem's cultural renaissance; big band textures and classical finesse blended in celebration of the city.
Duke Ellington: Harlem
Kapustin: Piano Concerto No. 4
8.20 Interval
Dvořák: Symphony No.9 "From the New World"
Recorded at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall on 18 April and presented by Mark Forrest.
Frank Dupree (piano)
Joshua Weilerstein
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
To listen on most smart-speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert."
WED 21:45 The Essay (m002v6z6)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
Metamorphoses
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.
Today, Jerry Brotton visits Corpus Christi College in Cambridge, where Kit Marlowe studied and was transformed from scholarship boy to gentleman – among many other transformations. It is where he learned the Greek and Latin classics - and how to spy. But was Kit a loyal Protestant working for the Queen, or a secret Catholic double agent? This episode recreates the dark world of Tudor espionage and Kit’s murky involvement in it. Jerry also examines the one contemporary image we may have of Kit, known as the ‘Corpus Portrait’, which many believe is the face of Marlowe.
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 (m002typb)
Blissful sounds for after-hours
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 (m002typd)
A classic from Joe Harriott
Tawiah chooses a third record for 4/4, and tonight she goes for a release that is particularly meaningful to her.
Also in the programme, there is music from Grupo Um, Adja, and Samara Joy.
‘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 23 APRIL 2026
THU 00:30 Through the Night (m002typg)
Debussy, Hindemith and Rameau from Oslo
Clarinettist Thorsten Johanns joins the Norwegian Radio Orchestra and conductor Ilan Volkov in Hindemith's Clarinet Concerto. The orchestra also plays an arrangement of Debussy's 'Children's Corner' and Rameau's Suite from 'Naïs'. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918), Hans Abrahamsen (arr.)
Children's Corner, L. 113
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Ilan Volkov (conductor)
12:49 AM
Paul Hindemith (1895-1963)
Clarinet Concerto
Thorsten Johanns (clarinet), Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Ilan Volkov (conductor)
01:13 AM
Evgeni Orkin (b. 1977)
First movement, from 'Jewish Suite'
Thorsten Johanns (clarinet)
01:16 AM
Jean-Philippe Rameau (1683-1764)
Suite from 'Naïs'
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Ilan Volkov (conductor)
01:49 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Syrinx for solo flute
Ivica Gabrisova-Encingerova (flute)
01:52 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Cello Sonata in D minor
Elizabeth Dolin (cello), Francine Kay (piano)
02:04 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Etudes: Book 2
Roger Woodward (piano)
02:31 AM
Heinrich Ignaz Franz von Biber (1644-1704)
Missa Sancti Henrici (1701)
James Griffett (tenor), Michael Schopper (bass), Regensburger Domspatzen, Collegium Aureum, Herbert Metzger (organ), Georg Ratzinger (leader)
03:08 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Quartet in F major, Op 18, No 1
Artis Quartet
03:35 AM
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
Finlandia, Op 26
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Thomas Dausgaard (conductor)
03:43 AM
Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975), Levon Atovmyan (arr.), Bläserserenaden Zurich (arr.)
5 works for violin and piano arr. for flute, bassoon and harp
Andrea Kollé (flute), Maria Wildhaber (bassoon), Sarah Verrue (harp)
03:53 AM
Alexander Scriabin (1871-1915)
Fantasy in A minor for two pianos
Aglika Genova (piano), Liuben Dimitrov (piano)
03:59 AM
Johan Svendsen (1840-1911)
Norwegian artists' carnival, Op 14 (Norsk kunstnerkarneval)
Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Ari Rasilainen (conductor)
04:06 AM
Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006)
Three Shanties for wind quintet, Op 4
Ariart Woodwind Quintet
04:14 AM
Ruth Watson Henderson (b.1932)
Two Love Songs
Elmer Iseler Singers, Claire Preston (piano), Lydia Adams (director)
04:20 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Harpsichord Concerto no 5 in F minor, BWV.1056
Lembit Orgse (harpsichord), Estonian Radio Chamber Orchestra, Paul Mägi (conductor)
04:31 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Overture in C minor D.8 for strings
Korean Chamber Orchestra
04:40 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Rondo in C major, Op 73
Ludmil Angelov (piano)
04:49 AM
Christoph Bernhard (1628-1692)
Missa 'Durch Adams Fall'
Henriette Schellenberg (soprano), Laverne G'Froerer (mezzo soprano), Keith Boldt (tenor), George Roberts (baritone), Vancouver Chamber Choir, Jon Washburn (conductor)
04:59 AM
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963)
Sonata for violin and piano
Fanny Clamagirand (violin), Nicolas Bringuier (piano)
05:06 AM
Väinö Raitio (1891-1945)
Joutsenet , Op 15 (1919)
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Okko Kamu (conductor)
05:15 AM
William Byrd (1543-1623)
The Carman's Whistle (Air and Variations)
Stefan Trayanov (harpsichord)
05:22 AM
Ottorino Respighi (1879-1936)
Rossiniana - suite from Rossini's 'Les riens'
West Australian Symphony Orchestra, Jorge Mester (conductor)
05:48 AM
Franz Berwald (1796-1868)
Fantasia on 2 Swedish Folksongs for piano (1850-59)
Lucia Negro (piano)
05:57 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Quartet for strings No 2 Op 13 in A minor
Johnston Quartet
THU 06:30 Breakfast (m002v0xb)
Embrace the morning calm of classical music and birdsong
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 (m002v0xd)
The ideal mix 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”.
THU 13:00 Classical Live (m002v0xg)
Once Upon A Time... Music from Eastern Europe
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Elizabeth Alker introduces music inspired by the fairy tale with a focus on Eastern Europe and the writings of Alexander Afanesyev and the Russian fairy tale. Also in today's programme further highlights from lutenist Thomas Dunford recorded specially for the programme at LSO St. Luke's. Including:
Mikhaïl Glinka
Overture – Ruslan & Lyudmila
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Yan Pascal Tortelier (conductor)
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Suite from 'The Tale of Tsar Saltan', Op. 57
Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Budapest
Domonkos Héja (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends:
Johann Sebastian Bach
Chaconne in D minor
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Igor Stravinsky
Firebird Suite (1919)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Alpesh Chauhan (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends:
Johann Sebastian Bach
Suite for cello BWV. 1007 [solo lute]
-Prelude
-Sarabande
-Menuet 1 et 2
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Ludwig van Beethoven
7 Variations on ‘Bei Männern’ from Mozart’s The Magic Flute, WoO. 46
Anastasia Kobekina (cello)
Elisabeth Brauss (piano)
Stanislaw Moniuszko
Fantasy Overture - Bajka (Fairy Tale)
Munich Radio Orchestra
Mihhail Gerts (conductor)
Josef Suk
Pohadka (Fairy Tale), Op. 16
Czech Philharmonic Orchestra
Jakub Hrusa (conductor)
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3 Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales, in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
THU 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002v0xj)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Spreading Fame
Donald Macleod explores how Haydn’s popularity grew at this time throughout Europe.
“Haydn! The admirable and matchless Haydn!” That is how the composer and writer on music Charles Burney described the composer. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores how, before Burney came up with this effusive accolade, Haydn grew to become the most famous composer in the world, despite being holed up on a remote Hungarian estate, far from the musical in-crowds.
We will explore Haydn’s operatic successes, his attempts to infiltrate the Viennese musical world, and his relationship with the other great composer of his day – Mozart. Donald also discovers the contractual arrangement which allowed Haydn's music to spread throughout Europe and the circumstances which led to him leaving the employ of the Esterhazy family, just as his fame was hitting its height and Haydn himself was beginning to despair at being stuck in the Hungarian countryside.
In today's programme, Donald explores how Haydn’s popularity grew at this time throughout Europe, with his music being played in countries all across the continent. We’ll also learn how Haydn almost fell foul of his own slightly questionable business dealings and discover which country’s press even suggested kidnapping the composer to force him to come and work there.
Stabat Mater – VIII. Sancta Mater istud agas
Barbara Bonney, soprano
Herbert Lippert, tenor
Concentus Musicus Wien
Nikolaus Harnoncourt, conductor
Symphony no 85 in B flat major “La Reine”
Kammerorchester Basel
Giovanni Antonini, conductor
Quartet Op 33 no 5 in G major, Hob III:41 - II. Largo
Chiaroscuro Quartet
The Seven Last Words, Hob XX/2 – nos 8 & 9
Academy of St Martin in the Fields
Neville Marriner, conductor
Symphony no 77 in B flat, Hob I:77 – I. Vivace
Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Producer: Sam Phillips
THU 17:00 In Tune (m002v0xl)
Peter Mallinson performs from his album A Musical Soirée
Katie Derham introduces live music from Viola player Peter Mallinson, who is joined by musicians featured on his new album, A Musical Soirée.
THU 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002v0xn)
Your daily classical soundtrack
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.
THU 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002v0xq)
Bartók Bluebeard's Castle
“In wars outside the blood runs red / Here is something far more deadly, ladies and gentlemen”. Duke Bluebeard’s castle has seven doors, and his new wife Judith is determined to open them all. But some questions are best left unanswered, and in Bartók’s gripping psychological thriller, even the darkest secrets possess a terrible beauty.
In this performance, soprano Dorottya Láng and baritone Gábor Bretz are the heroine and hero of this sinister fairytale – two world-class singers with an unrivalled sense of theatre, supported by guest conductor Elim Chan and all the glittering colours of the full BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Add Britten’s storm-swept portrait of the North Sea and Shostakovich’s delightfully irreverent encounter with Shakespeare, and this is a pulse-raising concert packed with drama.
Presented by Kate Molleson and recorded at Glasgow's City Halls on 16 April 2026.
Britten: Four Sea Interludes from ‘Peter Grimes’
Shostakovich: Hamlet Suite
interval
Bartók: Bluebeard’s Castle
Dorottya Láng, mezzo soprano
Gábor Bretz, baritone
Elim Chan, conductor
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert'.
THU 21:45 The Essay (m002v6bf)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
The Mighty Line
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 1587, Kit Marlowe brought his play Tamburlaine to the London stage. The play was radical enough in depicting an apparently atheist Scythian shepherd conquering half the world and getting away with it. But it also introduced a whole new kind of verse to the stage: blank verse known as iambic pentameter, or what admirers called Kit’s ‘mighty line’, which changed the sound of British theatre forever.
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 (m002v0xs)
Immersive music for moonlight
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 (m002v0xv)
New from Ruben Fox
All this week, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and film score composer Tawiah has been Soweto’s guest, choosing some of her best-loved albums for 4/4.
To conclude her week, Tawiah chooses a live album by one of jazz’s greats who she takes deep influence from.
Plus music from Camilla George, Sun-Mi Hong, and Jimmy Smith with Wes Montgomery.
‘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 24 APRIL 2026
FRI 00:30 Through the Night (m002v0xx)
Gershwin, Bernstein and Stravinsky from Slovenia
The RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra and conductor Gaetano Lo Coco present Stravinsky's Firebird suite, Bernstein's Symphonic Dances from 'West Side Story' and Gershwin's Cuban Overture. Penny Gore presents.
12:31 AM
George Gershwin (1898-1937)
Cuban Overture
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Gaetano Lo Coco (conductor)
12:42 AM
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
Symphonic Dances, from 'West Side Story'
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Gaetano Lo Coco (conductor)
01:06 AM
Igor Stravinsky (1882-1971)
The Firebird, concert suite from the ballet (1919 version)
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Gaetano Lo Coco (conductor)
01:28 AM
George Gershwin (1898-1937), Ingo Luis (arr.)
Promenade (Walking the Dog)
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Gaetano Lo Coco (conductor)
01:32 AM
George Gershwin (1898-1937), Bengt-Åke Lundin (arr.)
Rhapsody in Blue arr. Lundin for piano and string quintet
Bengt-Åke Lundin (piano), New Stenhammar String Quartet, Staffan Sjöholm (double bass)
01:50 AM
Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990)
La Bonne Cuisine (Four Recipes)
Jenny Högström (soprano), Amadeus Wiesensee (piano)
01:54 AM
Blaž Arnič (1901-1970)
Suita O Vodnjaku (Suite about the well), Op 5
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Lovrenc Arnic (conductor)
02:26 AM
Hideo Mizokami (1936-2002)
Lullaby
Kotaro Fukuma (piano)
02:31 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Flute Concerto in G major, Wq.169
Tom Ottar Andreassen (flute), Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Roy Goodman (conductor)
02:55 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Cello Sonata no 2 in F major, Op 99
Leonard Elschenbroich (cello), Alexei Grynyuk (piano)
03:26 AM
Lars Johan Werle (1926-2001)
Sonetto 292 (Sonnet 292 - Petrarch)
Jutland Chamber Choir, Mogens Dahl (director)
03:32 AM
Leif Strand (1942-2021), Øivind Westby (arr.)
Men går jag över engarna (But I Walk Across the Meadows)
Ole Edvard Antonsen (trumpet), Argovia Philharmonic, Rune Bergmann (conductor)
03:38 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Lyric pieces - book 5 for piano, Op 54: Nos 2, 4, 3
Sveinung Bjelland (piano)
03:50 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Duet: 'Fra gli amplessi' - from "Cosi fan tutte"
Isabel Bayrakdarian (soprano), Michael Schade (tenor), Canadian Opera Company Orchestra, Richard Bradshaw (conductor)
03:57 AM
Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
Quartet for flute, clarinet, horn and bassoon no 6 in F major
Vojtech Samec (flute), Jozef Luptacik (clarinet), Jozef Illéš (french horn), Frantisek Machats (bassoon)
04:08 AM
Charles Gounod (1818-1893)
Overture to Mireille
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Oliver Dohnányi (conductor)
04:16 AM
Dario Castello (1602-1631)
Sonata XII, a due soprani e trombone
Musica Fiata Köln
04:24 AM
Arthur de Greef (1862-1940)
Humoresque for Orchestra (2nd version 1928)
Vlaams Radio Orkest [Flemish Radio Orchestra], Yannick Nézet-Séguin (conductor)
04:31 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Variations on a Theme by Clara Wieck
Angela Cheng (piano)
04:39 AM
Allan Pettersson (1911-1980)
Two Elegies (1934) and Romanza (1942) for violin & piano
Isabelle van Keulen (violin), Enrico Pace (piano)
04:45 AM
John Sheppard (1515-1558),Jonathan Dove (b.1959)
In manus tuas (Sheppard) & Into Thy Hands (Dove)
Gabrieli Consort, Paul McCreesh (director)
04:56 AM
Cornelis de Wolf (1880-1935)
Fantasia on Psalm 33
Cor Ardesch (organ)
05:04 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Danse sacree et danse profane for harp and strings
Eva Maros (harp), Hungarian Radio Symphony Orchestra, Béla Drahos (conductor)
05:15 AM
Michael Haydn (1737-1806)
Sinfonia in E flat major, MH.340, P.17
Academia Palatina, Florian Heyerick (director)
05:30 AM
Einojuhani Rautavaara (1928-2016)
Cantus Arcticus, Concerto for Birds and Orchestra, Op 61
Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Jukka-Pekka Saraste (conductor)
05:48 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Partita no 4 in D major, BWV.828
Schaghajegh Nosrati (piano)
06:19 AM
Fernando Sor (1778-1839)
Introduction, Theme and Variations on Marlborough s'en va-t-en guerre, Op 28
Xavier Díaz-Latorre (guitar)
FRI 06:30 Breakfast (m002v1k1)
Ease into the 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’.
FRI 09:30 Essential Classics (m002v1k3)
Refresh your morning with 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”.
FRI 13:00 Classical Live (m002v1k5)
Once Upon A Time... A Thousand and One Nights
As part of the BBC's 'Once Upon a Time...' week, Elizabeth Alker concludes her series of specially recorded performances of fairy tales music with works inspired by the tales of A Thousand and One Nights; and from LSO St. Luke's lutenist Thomas Dunford is joined by Keyvan Chemerani for a fusion of Western and Middle Eastern inspired music.
Carl Nielsen
Aladdin - Oriental Festive March
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Thomas Sondergard (conductor)
Maurice Ravel
Shéhérazade
Claire Booth (soprano)
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ben Glassberg (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends
John Dowland
A Dream
King of Denmark’s Galliard
Keyvan Chemirani
To bandégui
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Kayvan Chemirani (zarb)
Jean-Philippe Rameau
Suite from ‘Les Indes Galantes’
European Union Baroque Orchestra
Enrico Onofri (conductor)
Rimsky-Korsakov
Shéhérazade, Op. 35
Vienna Symphony Orchestra
Lorenzo Viognier (conductor)
From LSO St. Luke’s - Thomas Dunford and Friends
Keyvan Chemirani
Shérazade
Thomas Dunford (lute)
Keyvan Chemirani (zarb)
Robert Schumann
Bilder aus Osten (arr. string orchestra)
Festival Strings Lucerne
Daniel Dodds (violin, conductor)
Jan Hanuš
Salt Above Gold, suite from the ballet, Op. 28a
Prague Symphony Orchestra
Tomáš Netopil (conductor)
The BBC’s ‘Once Upon a Time…’ week celebrates fairytales and storytelling in partnership with the British Library. On BBC Radio 3 Edith Bowman explores fairytales and fantasy in 'Sound of Cinema', actors Pearce Quigley and Lydia Wilson delve into the worlds of princesses, frogs, and spells in 'Words & Music', Sara Mohr-Pietsch charts a course to Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf in 'Music Map', and Elizabeth Alker presents music inspired by enchanted lands, magical creatures, and timeless tales, in 'Classical Live' and 'Unclassified'. Just search ‘Once Upon a Time…’ in BBC Sounds. The British Library’s major new exhibition Fairy Tales runs from 27th March – 23rd August 2026.
FRI 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002v1k7)
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
"Sad to be a slave"
Donald Macleod explores how Haydn grew frustrated at his life in Esterhaza and discovers how he came to leave the service of the Esterhazy family.
“Haydn! The admirable and matchless Haydn!” That is how the composer and writer on music Charles Burney described the composer. Over the course of this week, Donald Macleod explores how, before Burney came up with this effusive accolade, Haydn grew to become the most famous composer in the world, despite being holed up on a remote Hungarian estate, far from the musical in-crowds.
We will explore Haydn’s operatic successes, his attempts to infiltrate the Viennese musical world, and his relationship with the other great composer of his day – Mozart. Donald also discovers the contractual arrangement which allowed Haydn's music to spread throughout Europe and the circumstances which led to him leaving the employ of the Esterhazy family, just as his fame was hitting its height and Haydn himself was beginning to despair at being stuck in the Hungarian countryside.
In Friday’s programme, Donald explores how Haydn grew frustrated at his life in Esterhaza, jealous of the delights available in Vienna and lonely without the friends he had made there. He also discovers the change in circumstances which allowed him to leave the service of the Esterhazy family and the reasons that led him to take his next steps, leaving the Austrian capital to instead travel to London.
Three Pieces for Musical clock – no 2: Tempo di minuetto
William McVicker, organ
London Trio No. 3 in G Major, Hob. IV:3 – I. Spirituoso
Jean-Pierre Rampal (flute)
Wolfgang-Andreas Schultz (flute)
Gilbert Audin (bassoon)
Arianna a Naxos – Cantata
Cecilia Bartoli, mezzo-soprano
Andras Schiff, piano
Symphony 92 ‘Oxford’ – IV. Finale
Berlin Philharmonic
Simon Rattle, conductor
Libera Me
Chorale Philippe Caillard
Jean Bridier, director
Symphony no 45 in F sharp minor “Farewell” – IV. Finale
Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra
Ton Koopman, conductor
Producer: Sam Phillips
FRI 17:00 In Tune (m002v1k9)
Violinist and conductor Hugo Ticciati live in the studio
Hugo Ticciati is the founder and Artistic Director, the O/Modernt Chamber orchestra. Hugo is joined by violinist Linda Suolahti Ahead of the orchestra's Wigmore Hall recital.
Composer Graham Fitkin also joins Katie in the studio to talk about his Treeline project, which will see him cycle from Bucharest to London, performing 20 concerts along the way, each celebrating trees, forests and biodiversity.
FRI 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002v1kc)
Classical music for your journey
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.
FRI 19:30 Friday Night is Music Night (m002v1kf)
Classical Music in Film
Karen Ni Bhroin conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra live at Royal Concert Hall, Nottingham, with special guest pianist Clare Hammond and clarinettist James Gilbert in a concert showcasing the inventive way directors have appropriated classical music in their films.
Presented by Petroc Trelawny.
Mozart: Overture -The Marriage of Figaro
Beethoven: Symphony No.7, 2nd movement
Bizet: Habanera (Carmen)
Rachmaninov: Piano Concerto No.2, 2nd movement
Anne Dudley: Musique d’Elle
INTERVAL
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto, 2nd movement
Rachel Portman: Chocolat Main Theme & Viviane Sets Up Shop
Mozart: Piano Concerto No.22, 3rd movement
Clara Schumann: Polonaise No. 4
Strauss: The Blue Danube
Clare Hammond (piano)
James Gilbert (clarinet)
BBC Concert Orchestra
Conductor Karen Ni Bhroin
FRI 21:45 The Essay (m002v6c3)
The Death and Life of Christopher Marlowe
The Merchant of Malta
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.
How do you follow the success of Tamburlaine? Kit Marlowe’s response was to write a play about an unknown Jewish merchant in Malta. The Jew of Malta is Kit’s most disturbing play: a black comedy that manages to laugh at Jews, Christians and Muslims all at the same time. The dark inspiration for Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, it is also a play about spying and geopolitics, a world in which Kit became ever more enmeshed even as his success as a dramatist grew.
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 (m002v1kk)
John Butcher and Mariam Rezaei in session
Verity Sharp presents a new improvised encounter, bringing together saxophonist John Butcher and turntablist Mariam Rezaei live in session.
Saxophonist John Butcher began playing free jazz during his university years, before he left behind his academic endeavours in theoretical physics to pursue music. In the years since, Butcher has become a seasoned composer, improviser and collaborator, recognised for his emphasis on a sense of place, explorations with feedback, and unusual acoustics. He meets turntablist Mariam Rezaei in the Late Junction studio, known for her work across experimental new music, free improvisation, mutant club music and hip-hop. In addition to her mastery of classic turntablist skills, she has pioneered several techniques of her own, manipulating an expansive range of samples in real time.
Elsewhere, new uptempo electronics rooted in South African folklore from Serokolo 7, and - from Simon Emmerson’s The Imagined Village - a retelling of the traditional tale Tam Lyn by Benjamin Zephaniah and Eliza Carthy alongside Trans-Global Underground.
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 Late Junction.'
FRI 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002v1kp)
Snowpoet’s mixtape
Soweto welcomes innovative London outfit Snowpoet as his Friday night guests. Helmed by vocalist Lauren Kinsella and composer and multi-instrumentalist Chris Hyson, Snowpoet are known for their immersive, improvisational sonic worlds that draw on jazz, folk, ambient, electornica and more.
Tonight, Lauren and Chris present a 30-minute curated mixtape reflecting on the arrival of spring.
‘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".
LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)
'Round Midnight
23:30 MON (m002v1x8)
'Round Midnight
23:30 TUE (m002v243)
'Round Midnight
23:30 WED (m002typd)
'Round Midnight
23:30 THU (m002v0xv)
'Round Midnight
23:30 FRI (m002v1kp)
Breakfast
06:30 SAT (m002v1qs)
Breakfast
06:30 SUN (m002v1vx)
Breakfast
06:30 MON (m002v1wr)
Breakfast
06:30 TUE (m002v23l)
Breakfast
06:30 WED (m002tyns)
Breakfast
06:30 THU (m002v0xb)
Breakfast
06:30 FRI (m002v1k1)
Choral Evensong
18:00 SUN (m002tmfv)
Choral Evensong
15:00 WED (m002tynz)
Classical Live
13:00 MON (m002v1ww)
Classical Live
13:00 TUE (m002v23q)
Classical Live
13:00 WED (m002tynx)
Classical Live
13:00 THU (m002v0xg)
Classical Live
13:00 FRI (m002v1k5)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 MON (m002hn05)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 TUE (m002v23x)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 WED (m002hwth)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 THU (m002v0xn)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 FRI (m002v1kc)
Composer of the Week
16:00 MON (m002v1wy)
Composer of the Week
16:00 TUE (m002v23s)
Composer of the Week
16:00 WED (m002typ1)
Composer of the Week
16:00 THU (m002v0xj)
Composer of the Week
16:00 FRI (m002v1k7)
Earlier... with Jools Holland
12:00 SAT (m002v1qx)
Essential Classics
09:30 MON (m002v1wt)
Essential Classics
09:30 TUE (m002v23n)
Essential Classics
09:30 WED (m002tynv)
Essential Classics
09:30 THU (m002v0xd)
Essential Classics
09:30 FRI (m002v1k3)
Friday Night is Music Night
19:30 FRI (m002v1kf)
In Tune
17:00 MON (m002v1x0)
In Tune
17:00 TUE (m002v23v)
In Tune
17:00 WED (m002typ4)
In Tune
17:00 THU (m002v0xl)
In Tune
17:00 FRI (m002v1k9)
Jazz Record Requests
16:00 SUN (m002v1w5)
Key Changes: Radio 3's Essential History of Classical Music
13:00 SAT (m002v1qz)
Late Junction
22:00 FRI (m002v1kk)
Music Map
13:30 SUN (m002czv8)
Music Matters
15:00 SUN (m002v1w3)
Music Planet
21:30 SAT (m002v1rc)
New Music Show
22:30 SAT (m002v1rf)
Night Tracks
22:00 SUN (m002v1wj)
Night Tracks
22:00 MON (m002v1x6)
Night Tracks
22:00 TUE (m002v241)
Night Tracks
22:00 WED (m002typb)
Night Tracks
22:00 THU (m002v0xs)
Opera on 3
18:00 SAT (m002v1r7)
Private Passions
12:00 SUN (m002v1w1)
Radio 3 in Concert
20:15 SAT (m002v1r9)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 MON (m002v1x4)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 TUE (m002v23z)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 WED (m002typ8)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 THU (m002v0xq)
Record Review
14:00 SAT (m002v1r1)
Saturday Morning
09:00 SAT (m002v1qv)
Sound of Cinema
16:00 SAT (m002v1r3)
Sunday Feature
19:00 SUN (m002v1w9)
Sunday Morning
09:00 SUN (m002v1vz)
The Early Music Show
17:00 SUN (m002v1w7)
The Essay
21:45 MON (m002v6z8)
The Essay
21:45 TUE (m002v67g)
The Essay
21:45 WED (m002v6z6)
The Essay
21:45 THU (m002v6bf)
The Essay
21:45 FRI (m002v6c3)
This Classical Life
17:00 SAT (m002v1r5)
Through the Night
00:30 SAT (m002trc9)
Through the Night
00:30 SUN (m002v1rh)
Through the Night
00:30 MON (m002v1wp)
Through the Night
00:30 TUE (m002v1xb)
Through the Night
00:30 WED (m002v245)
Through the Night
00:30 THU (m002typg)
Through the Night
00:30 FRI (m002v0xx)
Ultimate Calm
21:00 SUN (m002lb5k)
Unclassified
23:30 SUN (m002v1wm)
Words and Music
19:45 SUN (m002v1wd)
LIST OF THIS WEEK'S PROGRAMMES ORDERED BY GENRE
(Note: the times link back to the details; the pids link to the BBC page, including iPlayer)
Drama
Words and Music
19:45 SUN (m002v1wd)
Factual
Sunday Feature
19:00 SUN (m002v1w9)
Factual: Arts, Culture & the Media
Music Matters
15:00 SUN (m002v1w3)
The Essay
21:45 MON (m002v6z8)
The Essay
21:45 TUE (m002v67g)
The Essay
21:45 WED (m002v6z6)
The Essay
21:45 THU (m002v6bf)
The Essay
21:45 FRI (m002v6c3)
Factual: History
Key Changes: Radio 3's Essential History of Classical Music
13:00 SAT (m002v1qz)
Music
Late Junction
22:00 FRI (m002v1kk)
Ultimate Calm
21:00 SUN (m002lb5k)
Music: Classical
Breakfast
06:30 SAT (m002v1qs)
Breakfast
06:30 SUN (m002v1vx)
Breakfast
06:30 MON (m002v1wr)
Breakfast
06:30 TUE (m002v23l)
Breakfast
06:30 WED (m002tyns)
Breakfast
06:30 THU (m002v0xb)
Breakfast
06:30 FRI (m002v1k1)
Classical Live
13:00 MON (m002v1ww)
Classical Live
13:00 TUE (m002v23q)
Classical Live
13:00 WED (m002tynx)
Classical Live
13:00 THU (m002v0xg)
Classical Live
13:00 FRI (m002v1k5)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 MON (m002hn05)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 TUE (m002v23x)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 WED (m002hwth)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 THU (m002v0xn)
Classical Mixtape
19:00 FRI (m002v1kc)
Composer of the Week
16:00 MON (m002v1wy)
Composer of the Week
16:00 TUE (m002v23s)
Composer of the Week
16:00 WED (m002typ1)
Composer of the Week
16:00 THU (m002v0xj)
Composer of the Week
16:00 FRI (m002v1k7)
Earlier... with Jools Holland
12:00 SAT (m002v1qx)
Essential Classics
09:30 MON (m002v1wt)
Essential Classics
09:30 TUE (m002v23n)
Essential Classics
09:30 WED (m002tynv)
Essential Classics
09:30 THU (m002v0xd)
Essential Classics
09:30 FRI (m002v1k3)
In Tune
17:00 MON (m002v1x0)
In Tune
17:00 TUE (m002v23v)
In Tune
17:00 WED (m002typ4)
In Tune
17:00 THU (m002v0xl)
In Tune
17:00 FRI (m002v1k9)
Key Changes: Radio 3's Essential History of Classical Music
13:00 SAT (m002v1qz)
Music Map
13:30 SUN (m002czv8)
Night Tracks
22:00 SUN (m002v1wj)
Night Tracks
22:00 MON (m002v1x6)
Night Tracks
22:00 TUE (m002v241)
Night Tracks
22:00 WED (m002typb)
Night Tracks
22:00 THU (m002v0xs)
Private Passions
12:00 SUN (m002v1w1)
Radio 3 in Concert
20:15 SAT (m002v1r9)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 MON (m002v1x4)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 TUE (m002v23z)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 WED (m002typ8)
Radio 3 in Concert
19:30 THU (m002v0xq)
Record Review
14:00 SAT (m002v1r1)
Saturday Morning
09:00 SAT (m002v1qv)
Sunday Morning
09:00 SUN (m002v1vz)
This Classical Life
17:00 SAT (m002v1r5)
Through the Night
00:30 SAT (m002trc9)
Through the Night
00:30 SUN (m002v1rh)
Through the Night
00:30 MON (m002v1wp)
Through the Night
00:30 TUE (m002v1xb)
Through the Night
00:30 WED (m002v245)
Through the Night
00:30 THU (m002typg)
Through the Night
00:30 FRI (m002v0xx)
Ultimate Calm
21:00 SUN (m002lb5k)
Words and Music
19:45 SUN (m002v1wd)
Music: Classical: Choral
Choral Evensong
18:00 SUN (m002tmfv)
Choral Evensong
15:00 WED (m002tynz)
Music: Classical: Early Music
The Early Music Show
17:00 SUN (m002v1w7)
Music: Classical: Experimental & New
New Music Show
22:30 SAT (m002v1rf)
Unclassified
23:30 SUN (m002v1wm)
Music: Classical: Opera
Opera on 3
18:00 SAT (m002v1r7)
Music: Easy Listening, Soundtracks & Musicals
Friday Night is Music Night
19:30 FRI (m002v1kf)
Sound of Cinema
16:00 SAT (m002v1r3)
Ultimate Calm
21:00 SUN (m002lb5k)
Music: Jazz & Blues
Jazz Record Requests
16:00 SUN (m002v1w5)
Music: Jazz & Blues: Jazz
'Round Midnight
23:30 MON (m002v1x8)
'Round Midnight
23:30 TUE (m002v243)
'Round Midnight
23:30 WED (m002typd)
'Round Midnight
23:30 THU (m002v0xv)
'Round Midnight
23:30 FRI (m002v1kp)
Jazz Record Requests
16:00 SUN (m002v1w5)
Music: World
Late Junction
22:00 FRI (m002v1kk)
Music Planet
21:30 SAT (m002v1rc)
Night Tracks
22:00 SUN (m002v1wj)
Night Tracks
22:00 MON (m002v1x6)
Night Tracks
22:00 TUE (m002v241)
Night Tracks
22:00 WED (m002typb)
Night Tracks
22:00 THU (m002v0xs)
Religion & Ethics
Choral Evensong
18:00 SUN (m002tmfv)
Choral Evensong
15:00 WED (m002tynz)