R3 (original) (raw)

RADIO-LISTS: BBC RADIO 3
Unofficial Weekly Listings for BBC Radio 3 — supported by bbc.co.uk/programmes/

SATURDAY 09 MAY 2026

SAT 00:30 Through the Night (m002vp7t)
Schubert, Beethoven and Schumann from Austria

From the Schubertiade Hohenems Festival, violinist Renaud Capuçon and pianist Guillaume Bellom play sonatas by Schubert, Beethoven and Schumann. Jonathan Swain presents.

12:31 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Violin Sonata in D, D. 384
Renaud Capuçon (violin), Guillaume Bellom (piano)

12:44 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Violin Sonata no 3 in E flat, Op 12/3
Renaud Capuçon (violin), Guillaume Bellom (piano)

01:03 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856),Johannes Brahms (1833-1897),Albert Dietrich (1829-1908)
F.A.E. Sonata
Renaud Capuçon (violin), Guillaume Bellom (piano)

01:29 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Jascha Heifetz (arr.)
Wie Melodien zieht es mir, Op 105/1
Renaud Capuçon (violin), Guillaume Bellom (piano)

01:32 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (author)
Schafers Klagelied (D.121) (Op.3 No.1) (Shepherd's Lament)
Christoph Prégardien (tenor), Andreas Staier (pianoforte)

01:35 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828), Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (author)
Meeres Stille, D.216 (Op 3 no 2) (Quiet Sea)
Christoph Prégardien (tenor), Andreas Staier (pianoforte)

01:38 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Symphony no 9 (D.944) in C major "The Great"
Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Litton (conductor)

02:31 AM
Juliusz Zarebski (1854-1885)
Piano Quintet in G minor, Op 34
Pawel Kowalski (piano), Silesian Quartet

03:06 AM
Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach (1714-1788)
Der Herr lebet - cantata, Wq.251
Barbara Schlick (soprano), Hilke Helling (alto), Wilfried Jochens (tenor), Gotthold Schwarz (bass), Das Kleine Konzert, Rheinische Kantorei, Hermann Max (conductor)

03:42 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Last Spring, Op 33 no 2
Camerata Bern, Thomas Furi (leader)

03:49 AM
Imants Zemzaris (b.1951)
Melancolic valse (No.3 from 'Marvel Pieces')
Janis Bulavs (violin), Olafs Stals (viola), Leons Veldre (cello), Aldis Liepins (piano)

03:55 AM
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
Allegretto in the Style of Boccherini
Barnabas Kelemen (violin), Zóltan Kocsis (piano)

04:00 AM
Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757)
Sonata for keyboard (L.23) in E major
Sae-Jung Kim (piano)

04:06 AM
Carl Maria von Weber (1786-1826), Unknown (arr.)
Concertino for oboe and wind ensemble in C major (arr. for trumpet)
Geoffrey Payne (trumpet), Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Michael Halász (conductor)

04:14 AM
Ferdo Livadic (1799-1878)
Notturno in F sharp minor
Vladimir Krpan (piano)

04:22 AM
Nicolas Chédeville (1705-1782)
Recorder Sonata in G minor, Op 13 no 6
Ensemble 1700, Dorothee Oberlinger (director)

04:31 AM
Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936)
Concert waltz for orchestra no 2 in F major, Op 51
CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Kazuyoshi Akiyama (conductor)

04:40 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Ballade no 1 in G minor, Op 23
Valerie Tryon (piano)

04:49 AM
Francesco Cavalli (1602-1676)
Salve Regina (Hail, Holy Queen)
Monteverdi Choir, English Baroque Soloists, John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)

04:58 AM
Anonymous
Middle Ages Suite
Bolette Roed (recorder), Alpha

05:07 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
3 Lieder, arr. for cello and piano
Sol Gabetta (cello), Bertrand Chamayou (piano)

05:16 AM
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)
Sonata da chiesa in D minor, Op 3 no 5
Camerata Tallinn

05:24 AM
Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837)
Clarinet Quartet in E flat major
Martin Fröst (clarinet), Tobias Ringborg (violin), Ingegerd Kierkegaard (viola), John Ehde (cello)

05:51 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
La Cathédrale engloutie
Philippe Cassard (piano)

05:57 AM
Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)
Serenade for string orchestra in C major, Op 48
Danish Radio Concert Orchestra, Hannu Koivula (conductor)

SAT 06:30 Breakfast (m002vw0d)
Wake up with classical music

Hannah French presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

SAT 09:00 Saturday Morning (m002vw0g)
Violinist Ray Chen in the studio

Sara Mohr-Pietsch with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack this weekend.

Sara's guest is the violinist Ray Chen, who has redefined what it means to be a classical superstar. Whether it's on concert stages, through his teaching resources or via talking relatably about music and the violin via his social media channels, Ray has reached millions with his magnetic playing and love of people. He's in London to play Korngold's much-loved Hollywood-infused concerto and pops into the studio to chat to Sara.

And as our focus on 'Creators' continues - Sara talks to the legendary American folk singer songwriter and activist Peggy Seeger. Now 90 and having written what she calls her "absolutely final album", Peggy chats about how some of her most famous protest anthems were made.

SAT 12:00 Earlier... with Jools Holland (m002vw0j)
Jordan Rakei talks classical music

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 Gustav Holst, Henryk Gorecki and John Field with performances by Dawn Upshaw, Nicola Benedetti and Andrew Manze. His guest is the singer, songwriter and producer Jordan Rakei, who introduces music he loves by Nils Frahm, Bach and Luke Howard.

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 (m002vw0l)
1501: The Printed Composer

Venice, 1501. In a canal-side workshop, Ottaviano Petrucci and his assistant are working at a bulky wooden machine: a printing press. They cover a set of small metal objects with a thin layer of ink before sliding a sheet of freshly lined paper into the machine. They pull hard on the press: paper meets ink, and history is made.

Petrucci’s first printed collection of multi-voiced works marks a huge turning point in music. It dramatically changes who can access music, who can make money from it, how it can travel - even what a piece of music actually is.

Gillian Moore is joined by a roster of distinguished historians for this major new BBC Radio 3 series, charting a course through 1000 years of classical music history. For the first eight programmes, historian Michael Wood is in the chair, as together they explore the bold new sound worlds of the Middle Ages and Renaissance.

Producer: David Fay
Academic Consultant: Professor Laura Tunbridge, University of Oxford
Story Consultant: Kate Leys
Series Editor for BBC Audio: Emma Harding

Key Changes theme tune composed by Joseph Howard and performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conducted by Kerem Hasan.

MUSIC DETAILS
Josquin des Prez: Adieu, mes amours
Fretwork

Johannes Ockeghem: Ma bouche rit
BBC Singers
Owain Park (conductor)

Guillaume Dufay: Nuper Rosarum Flores
Pomerium
Alexander Blachly (conductor)

Josquin des Prez: Missa Hercules Dux Ferrariae (Kyrie)
The Tallis Scholars
Peter Phillips (conductor)

Jacob Obrecht: Tandernaken
Les Flamboyants

Jean Japart: Je cuide se ce temps
Les Flamboyants

Josquin des Prez: La Bernadina
La Pifarescha

Josquin des Prez: Bergerette Savoisienne
Thélème
Ludovic Van Hellemont (Ondes Martenot)

Josquin des Prez: Ave Maria … Virgo Serena
BBC Singers
Owain Park (conductor)

Marchetto Cara: Oimè il cor, oimè la testa
Barbara Zanichelli (soprano)
Luca Pianca (lute)

Scott Joplin: Maple Leaf Rag
Dick Hyman (piano)

SAT 14:00 Record Review (m002vw0n)
Liszt's Transcendental Studies in Building a Library with Keelan Carew and Andrew McGregor

Andrew McGregor with the best new classical releases.

c2.10pm Andrew is joined by guest reviewer, pianist Lucy Parham, to consider some of her favourite new releases.

3pm Building a Library
Pianist Keelan Carew surveys recordings of Franz Liszt's Transcendental Studies and makes a top recommendation.
Liszt's 'Etudes d'execution transcendante' S.139 are among the pinnacles of virtuoso piano music, and their visionary language and poetic expression make them a milestone of the romantic age. They embody the most significant traits of Liszt’s prolific “Weimar” period: the quest for new aesthetics of sound; a simplification of textures; and a stronger-than-ever penchant for programmatic elements derived from literature, nature, and the visual arts.

c3.50pm Record of the Week
Andrew's top classical new release of the week.

SAT 16:00 Sound of Cinema (m002vw0q)
Edith is joined by composer Anna Meredith and presenter Georgia Mann

A weekly journey through the finest film scores and cinematic music with Edith Bowman. This week, we welcome composer Anna Meredith, who joins us for her first Harmonising Hollywood to discuss the score for the 2014 sci‑fi thriller Ex Machina. We’ll also be hearing from Radio 3 presenter Georgia Mann as she shares her Pick of the Flicks — the music from a 1986 French period drama set in rural Provence in the 1920s.

Plus music from the latest soundtrack releases alongside a selection of classic Hollywood scores.

SAT 17:00 This Classical Life (m001z5hg)
Jess Gillam with... Olivia Chaney

Jess's guest this week is the folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Olivia Chaney, who was born in Florence and grew up in Oxford. She's collaborated with artists including Kronos Quartet, Nico Muhly and The Decemberists (earning a Grammy nomination for her project with the latter, Offa Rex). Her recording of the folk song 'Dark Eyed Sailor' recently featured on the soundtrack to Emerald Fennell's highly-anticipated film "Wuthering Heights".

Jess and Olivia's musical picks range from Bartók reimagined for the mandolin, to the Miles Davis Quintet, via a fantasia by Purcell, maximalist minimalism from Louis Andriessen, and the perfect love song from Joni Mitchell.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3”.

SAT 18:00 Opera on 3 (m002vw0s)
Donizetti's La Fille du Régiment

From the Metropolitan Opera in New York, with Erin Morley in her Met debut as Marie, the intrepid 'daughter of the regiment' and Lawrence Brownlee as her admirer Tonio. La Fille du Régiment tells the story of Marie, an intrepid young orphan raised by a regiment of French soldiers. When the man of her dreams turns out to be a rebel fighting against the French “family” she has always known, Marie will have to overcome war, fatherly disapproval, and even the discovery of her own noble birth to make her own happily-ever-after ending come true.

Recorded in October last year at the Metropolitan Opera and presented by Debra Lew Harder and Ira Siff.

Donizetti: La Fille du Régiment
Marie ..... Erin Morley (soprano)
Tonio ..... Lawrence Brownlee (tenor)
Marquise of Berkenfield ..... Susan Graham (mezzo-soprano)
Sgt. Sulpice ..... Peter Kálmán (bass-baritone)
Duchess of Krakenthorp ..... Sandra Oh (actress)
Met Opera Chorus and Orchestra
Giacomo Sagripanti (conductor)

This frothy comedy mixes humour with a rush of buoyant melody and notorious vocal challenges. The story concerns a young orphan girl raised by an army regiment as their mascot and begins at the moment of her first stirrings of love. Complications (and comedy) ensue when her true identity is discovered. The action is startlingly simple and unencumbered by intricate subplots, allowing the full charm of the characters and their virtuoso music to come across in an uninhibited way.

SAT 21:30 Music Planet (m002vw0v)
A tribute to Andy Kershaw and Fatoumata Diawara's Return Journey

Lopa Kothari curates a selection of roots-based music from across the globe and pays tribute to the late broadcaster Andy Kershaw, a tireless champion of the world's countless folk music cultures who brought spectacular sounds to BBC audiences as a DJ, documentary-maker and audio recordist. Also, looking forward to her upcoming appearance at Liverpool's Africa Oyé Festival next month, the Grammy-nominated Malian singer, songwriter and guitarist Fatoumata Diarawa offers up her Return Journey choices: a track that reminds her of travelling, and one that takes her home.

You can hear Andy Kershaw's documentary 'Andy's Kitchen and On the Road in Africa' on Radio 3 on Sunday 10th May at 7pm, and on BBC Sounds for the following 30 days.

Produced by Silvia Malnati
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 (m002vw0x)
Tectonics Glasgow 2026: Christopher Fox, Laura Bowler and Angélica Castelló

Kate Molleson presents the first of two programmes of music from Tectonics 2026, the annual two-day festival curated by Ilan Volkov and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.

Tonight, we hear the world premiere of Christopher Fox's Minding the hive, which explores the remarkable tonal resources of Lore Amenabar Larrañaga’s self-designed quartertone accordion, and the UK premieres of both Angélica Castelló's Star Washers for orchestra and electronics and Laura Bowler's Things are Against Us, which features GBSR Duo alongside the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The strings of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra also perform Hannah Kendall's musical retelling of the Biblical story of Lot's wife in her work, . . . I may turn to salt.

Plus the boundary-breaking music of Minnesota-born Craig Taborn, who draws upon jazz traditions, contemporary classical music, experimental, electronic, rock, metal and hip-hop. And the Scottish tuba artists and improviser, Danielle Price, described as a 'magician-musician', performs a set in the Old Fruitmarket.

SUNDAY 10 MAY 2026

SUN 00:30 Through the Night (m002vw0z)
Bacewicz, Barber and Mendelssohn from Cologne

Augustin Hadelich is the soloist in Barber's Violin Concerto, performed with the WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne and conductor Krzysztof Urbański. Mendelssohn's 'Italian' Symphony and Bacewicz's Scherzo for Piano in an orchestral arrangement also feature. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969), Krzysztof Urbański (arr.)
Scherzo for Piano (arr. for orchestra)
WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne, Krzysztof Urbański (conductor)

12:35 AM
Samuel Barber (1910-1981)
Violin Concerto, Op 14
Augustin Hadelich (violin), WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne, Krzysztof Urbański (conductor)

12:59 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Symphony no 4 in A major, Op 90 'Italian'
WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne, Krzysztof Urbański (conductor)

01:31 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
12 Studies, Op 25
Daniil Trifonov (piano)

02:02 AM
Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969)
Piano Quintet no 1
Piotr Salajczyk (piano), Silesian String Quartet

02:26 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Andante from Violin Sonata no 2 in A minor, BWV.1003
Augustin Hadelich (violin)

02:31 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856), Heinrich Heine (author)
Dichterliebe, Op 48
Ingvar Wixell (baritone), Erik Werba (piano)

03:00 AM
Mikhail Mikhaylovich Ippolitov-Ivanov (1859 - 1935)
Caucasian Sketches - orchestral suite, Op 10
Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, Uri Mayer (conductor)

03:22 AM
Jan Pieterszoon Sweelinck (1562-1621)
Onder een Linde groen (49)
Glen Wilson (harpsichord)

03:29 AM
Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901)
O Padre Nostro
Chamber Choir AVE, Andraž Hauptman (conductor)

03:36 AM
Georg Muffat (1653-1704)
Sonata from Concerto no XI in E minor, 'Delirrium amoris'
L'Orfeo Baroque Orchestra, Michi Gaigg (director)

03:42 AM
Gioachino Rossini (1792-1868)
Overture to La Gazza ladra (The thieving magpie)
RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra, Günter Pichler (conductor)

03:53 AM
Vincent D'Indy (1851-1931)
Lied, Op 19
Sterling Elliott (cello), Richard Uttley (piano)

04:00 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
9 Variations on a minuet by Duport, K.573
Christian Ihle Hadland (piano)

04:13 AM
Ludomir Różycki (1883-1953)
Symphonic Poem: Mona Lisa Gioconda, Op 31
National Polish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Wojciech Czepiel (conductor)

04:23 AM
Gerónimo Giménez (1854-1923)
La Boda de Luis Alonso
Tornado Guitar Duo (duo)

04:31 AM
Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706)
Canon and Gigue
La Scintilla Orchestra, Riccardo Minasi (conductor)

04:36 AM
Władysław Żeleński (1837-1921), Jan Maklakiewicz (arr.)
2 Choral Songs: Zaczarowana krolewna; Przy rozstaniu
Polish Radio Choir, Marek Kluza (director)

04:43 AM
Hilda Sehested (1858-1936)
Tre Fantasistykker (3 Fantasy pieces)
Nina Reintoft (cello), Malene Thastum (piano)

04:54 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Symphony no 4 in D major, H.1.4
Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra, Ondrej Lenárd (conductor)

05:05 AM
Bedřich Smetana (1824-1884)
Souvenir de Bohême en forme de polka, Op 13
Alexandra Troussova (piano)

05:13 AM
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713)
Trio Sonata in D major, Op 3 no 2
Ensemble Augelletti

05:21 AM
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
Sea Pictures, Op 37
Kristina Hammarström (mezzo soprano), Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, Tadaaki Otaka (conductor)

05:45 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
String Quartet in D minor, K.421
Biava Quartet

06:13 AM
Jean Sibelius (1865-1957)
6 Impromptus, Op 5
Juhani Lagerspetz (piano)

SUN 06:30 Breakfast (m002vvwz)
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 (m002vvx1)
Three Hours of Classical Sparkle

Join Sarah Walker for a glorious musical mix, perfect for your Sunday - from vibrant baroque gems to lush orchestral depictions of the English countryside.

This week, Sarah Walker's playlist takes us from the wilds of Suffolk's Orford Ness, to the North of Scotland and out to see the wonders of the Solar System.

This week’s Choral Reflection features Michael Tippett's emotional setting of the 5 Spirituals from his Oratorio A Child of Our Time, sung by the Finzi Singers, and there’s also music by Ravel and Respighi, a sparkling recording of the Overture to Mozart's Magic Flute, and a chance to hear a stunning recording by the LA Philharmonic of Dvorak's sunny 8th Symphony in full.

Also, Sarah's Sunday Sequence for this week pays tribute to a national treasure...

A Tandem Production for BBC Radio 3.

SUN 12:00 Private Passions (m002vvx5)
Joyce Trotman, teacher and writer

Joyce Trotman was born in 1927 - and her almost 99 years since then have given her quite a story to tell. She grew up in what was British Guiana, where she was educated to be ‘more English than the English.’

She first came to the UK in 1955, when she was offered a Commonwealth teaching bursary at the University of Durham.

She returned home to work as a teacher and later worked as a Research Fellow at the University of Guyana, which became an independent country in 1966.

She moved back to England in 1972, taught in schools in London for fifteen years and wrote several books. Her long interest in language led to the book The Proverbs of Guyana Explained. She has also written a biography of the leading anti-slavery campaigner Thomas Clarkson and most recently a memoir reflecting on her long life.

Her musical choices include hymns learnt at school and opera she heard on the shores of Lake Como, Handel played by a steel band, as well as Schubert, Tchaikovsky and singer Leontyne Price.

SUN 13:30 Music Map (m002vvx9)
Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' sonata

Sara Mohr-Pietsch explores the work that famously inspired Tolstoy, Beethoven's 'Kreutzer' sonata. Along with the composers whose works were loved by EM Forster and Haruki Murakami, Sara also tiptoes along the path of musical beefs and bad vibes with Stravinsky and Clara Schumann. But the quarrel with the longest lasting and most profound effect has to be Beethoven's own, which leads Sara to wonder whether the dedication to the virtuoso violinist Kreutzer should stand at all.

To listen to this programme on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Map'.

SUN 15:00 Music Matters (m002vvxf)
Musical Minds

Pianist Steven Osborne

Psychotherapist and broadcaster Nemone Metaxas delves into our psychological relationship with music and talks to some of classical music’s brightest stars to untangle why music can be such a powerful presence in our lives.

This week, she's joined by the pianist Steven Osborne who has spent much of his life thinking about what happens in the process of performance and our emotional response to music. He talks to Nemone about how he's dealt with performance anxiety throughout his career, what it feels like to entrance an audience, how music can enable us to explore emotions we may not be able to talk about directly, and why improvisation is the true essence of who you are as a musician. Featuring music by Beethoven, Britten, Messiaen, Mahler, Rachmaninov, Ravel and Rutter.

We'll also hear from our resident psychologist Dr Claire Renfrew who explains how our brains respond to music, how emotional mirroring comes into play when we're at a concert, and what's happening when someone experiences performance anxiety.

To listen to this programme on most smart speakers, just say: 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Music Matters'.

SUN 16:00 Jazz Record Requests (m002vvxj)
A Sunday Kind of Jazz

Alyn Shipton presents jazz music of all styles as requested by you including Quincy Jones, Miles Davis, Humphrey Lyttleton, Anita Scott and more.

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 (m0028t44)
Tielman Susato: composer, caligrapher, printer, pioneer

Hannah French delves into the life and music of the Flemish composer and publisher Tielman Susato, who was active in Antwerp in the mid-16th century. Susato initially worked as a calligrapher, but was also employed as a trumpeter, flautist and piper, and in 1543 he founded the first music publishing house using movable music type in the Low Countries. His shop could be found in Antwerp, "At the Sign of the Crumhorn".

Susato was also an accomplished composer. He published several books of his own masses and motets as well as a vast array of instrumental music, especially dances, which remain popular to this day.

To listen to this programme using most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play The Early Music Show".

SUN 18:00 Choral Evensong (m002vmx6)
St John's College, Cambridge

Live from the Chapel of St John’s College, Cambridge.

Introit: O Lord, support us (Moran)
Responses: Smith
Psalm 32 (Rogers)
First Lesson: Hosea 13 vv4-14
Canticles: St John’s Service (Cecilia McDowall) (world premiere)
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15 vv50-58
Anthem: A Sequence for St Michael (Howells)
Hymn: The strife is o’er (Victory)
Voluntary: Suite pour orgue Op 5 (Toccata) (Duruflé)

Christopher Gray (Director of Music)
Tingshuo Yang (Herbert Howells Organ Scholar)

To listen on most smart speakers just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.

SUN 19:00 Sunday Feature (m000mrgj)
The Kershaw Tapes

Andy's Kitchen and On the Road in Africa

Another chance to hear a 2020 programme from the BBC broadcaster Andy Kershaw, whose death was announced last month. During the 1980s, DJ Andy Kershaw travelled around Africa and the Americas searching out great music and taping it on his Walkman Pro, a new broadcast-quality cassette recorder that was bringing about a revolution in mobile recording. He also used it to capture his celebrated Kitchen Sessions, held in his small flat in Crouch End. In the first of four features, Andy delves into his boxes of cassettes and brings us music from his journeys in Africa - including his encounters with the then-unknown Ali Farka Touré, and the vibrant music scene of the newly-independent Zimbabwe - plus Kitchen Sessions from Cajun musicians Eddie Lejeune and DL Menard, also American singing legends Butch Hancock and Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

SUN 19:45 Words and Music (m001vcqk)
Paying Attention

From Rachel Carson finding solace in noticing 'the exceeding beauty of the earth', via the deductions of Sherlock Holmes and a dog walk with poet Mark Doty to Joyce Sutphen's advice on How to Listen: today's programme celebrates paying attention to the variety of life. Walt Whitman hears the 'grand opera' of the city, Mr. Darcy can't help but notice Elizabeth Bennett, Audre Lorde speaks her truth to those who might listen, and Taylor Mali fights for his students' Undivided Attention. Our readers are Nathan Osgood and Sarah Slimani and our music ranges from Purcell and Byrd to Sondheim and Erroll Garner.

Producer: Rachel Gill

READINGS:
How To Listen by Joyce Sutphen
Exceeding Beauty of the Earth by Rachel Carson
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Song of Myself by Walt Whitman
A Scandal in Bohemia by Arthur Conan Doyle
Upstream by Mary Oliver
The Pale King by David Foster Wallace
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Undivided Attention by Taylor Mali
Noticing by William Stafford
A Woman Speaks by Audre Lorde
To Sir With Love by E.R. Braithwaite
Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
Golden Retrievals by Mark Doty

SUN 21:00 Ultimate Calm (m002lqfh)
Erland Cooper: Series 5

Dreamy music to get lost in ft. David Shrigley

Escape with Scottish composer Erland Cooper into our collective imagination, with a selection of dreamy songs that conjure up worlds and spark our inspiration. He reflects on the importance of storytelling through music, and shares tracks from the likes of Mica Levi, Sufjan Stevens and Sigur Rós.

Also, we’re transported to the musical safe haven of the artist David Shrigley, with a piece of bright, hopeful music that brings to mind the feeling of wandering the streets of Manhattan on a summer’s morning.

Produced by Kit Callin
A Reduced Listening production

SUN 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vvxp)
A meditative moonlight soundtrack

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

SUN 23:30 Unclassified (m002ps03)
Flights of fancy

Join Elizabeth Alker with a selection of fresh music from of today's most exciting genre-defying artists. 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 Geoff Bird
A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 3

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'ask BBC Sounds to play Unclassified'.

MONDAY 11 MAY 2026

MON 00:30 Through the Night (m002vvxt)
Korngold and Beethoven from Serbia

Violinist Robert Lakatos joins the Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra and conductor Aleksandar Marković in Korngold's Violin Concerto and the orchestra also plays Beethoven's 'Eroica' Symphony. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957)
Violin Concerto in D, Op 35
Robert Lakatos (violin), Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra, Aleksandar Marković (conductor)

12:58 AM
Carlos Gardel (c1891-1935)
Por una cabeza
Robert Lakatos (violin)

01:01 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony no 3 in E flat, Op 55 'Eroica'
Vojvodina Symphony Orchestra, Aleksandar Marković (conductor)

01:56 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827), Glenn Gould (arr.)
Cadenza for Piano Concerto no 1 in C major, Op 15
Lukas Geniušas (piano)

01:59 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
String Quartet no 10 in E flat major, Op 74 "Harp"
Florian Kellerhals (violin), Harald Grimsrud (violin), Elisabeth Sijpkens (viola), Hjalmar Kvam (cello)

02:31 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Cantata no 36c (BWV.36c) "Schwingt freudig euch empor"
Tuva Semmingsen (mezzo soprano), Mona Julsrud (soprano), Jerker Dahlin (tenor), Frank Havröy (bass), Oslo Cathedral Choir, Christian Schneider (oboe d'amore), Terje Kvam (choirmaster), Erik Niord Larsen (oboe d'amore), Kjell Arne Jørgensen (violin), Miranda Playfair (violin), Dan Styffe (bass), Hans Knut Sveen (harpsichord)

03:01 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Concerto for Flute, Harp and Orchestra in C major, K.299
Georgi Spasov (flute), Suzana Klincharova (harp), Sofia Soloists Chamber Ensemble, Plamen Djurov (conductor)

03:29 AM
Franz Liszt (1811-1886)
Hungarian Rhapsody no 6 in D flat major
Rian de Waal (piano)

03:36 AM
Johann Friedrich Fasch (1688-1758)
Sonata in D minor
Amsterdam Bach Soloists, Wim ten Have (conductor)

03:46 AM
Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa (1566-1613)
Two madrigals - Merce grido piangendo & Luci serene e chiari
King's Singers

03:53 AM
Alexander Glazunov (1865-1936)
Concert waltz for orchestra no 1 in D major, Op 47
CBC Vancouver Orchestra, Kazuyoshi Akiyama (conductor)

04:02 AM
Sergey Rachmaninov (1873-1943)
2 pieces for cello & piano, Op 2
Monika Leskovar (cello), Ivana Švarc-Grenda (piano)

04:11 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Suite no 2 in F major, HWV.427
Allan Rasmussen (harpsichord)

04:20 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
The Hebrides, Op 26, overture in B minor, Fingal's Cave
WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne, Marek Janowski (conductor)

04:31 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Sopranino Recorder Concerto in C major RV.444
Michael Schneider (recorder), Camerata Köln

04:40 AM
Henri Messemaeckers Jr. (1824-1894)
Grande Marche funebre pour le piano
Arthur Schoonderwoerd (fortepiano)

04:49 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
3 Songs: 'Liebesbotschaft', 'Heidenroslein' and 'Litanei auf das Fest'
Bryn Terfel (bass baritone), Malcolm Martineau (piano)

04:58 AM
Károly Goldmark (1830-1915)
Night and festal music - prelude to Act II from the opera 'Die Königin von Saba'
Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, Mario Bernardi (conductor)

05:06 AM
Richard Flury (1896-1967)
Three pieces for violin and piano
Sibylle Tschopp (violin), Isabel Tschopp (piano)

05:14 AM
Johannes Ockeghem (1410-1497)
Intemerata Dei mater
Hilliard Ensemble, Paul Hillier (director)

05:23 AM
Maria Herz (1878-1950)
Concerto for Harpsichord or Fortepiano, String Orchestra and Flute, Op 15
Nadja Saminskaja (piano), Ronny Spiegel (violin), Yuta Takase (violin), Daphne Unseld (viola), Fedor Saminski (cello), Nikola Major (double bass), Christian Madlener (flute)

05:51 AM
John Dowland (1563-1626)
Thou mighty God; When David's life; When the poore criple for 4 voices
Ars Nova, Bo Holten (director)

06:02 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Piano Sonata no 2 in B flat minor Op 35
Beatrice Rana (piano)

MON 06:30 Breakfast (m002vw3m)
Brighten your day with classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

MON 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vw3r)
A classical soundtrack for your morning

Georgia Mann plays the best classical music for your morning, with discoveries and surprises rubbing shoulders with familiar favourites. Including the Playlister challenge: our regular listener-created sequence inspired by a different piece of music each day. Plus a new classical release in focus for Album of the Week.

1000 Playlister starter: listen and send us your ideas for the next step in today's musical journey. Text 83111 or email essentialclassics@bbc.co.uk.

1030 Album of the Week: an exciting new classical release in focus throughout the week.

1115 Playlister reveal: an uninterrupted sequence of music suggested by you in response to today's starter piece.

1200 Feast of a Piece: indulge your ears with an orchestral masterpiece.

To listen on most smart speakers, say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Essential Classics”.

MON 13:00 Classical Live (m002vw3w)
Denis Kozhukhin Live at Wigmore Hall

Mark Forrest showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

The week begins with a live concert from London’s Wigmore Hall given by pianist Denis Kozhukhin, an artist who has cultivated a highly personal and persuasive brand of pianism, capable of jaw-dropping displays of virtuosity and as well as an abundance of tonal shades and nuances. His programme couples a pair of sonatas by Haydn with sublime late piano music by Brahms.

There’s more Brahms later in the programme too: all week we’ll be hearing our BBC Orchestras in some of his major symphonic works, starting today with First Symphony played by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. And throughout the week we’ll be in Wales for music on a smaller scale, with visits to recent festivals at Cowbridge and Hay, where Radio 3 microphones captured some of the UK’s finest musicians in intimate chamber concerts. Today we hear the Carducci Quartet playing Fanny Mendelssohn's only String Quartet. Plus music by Bach and Vivaldi from our Ensemble in Focus, the superb Italian Baroque group Accademia Bizantina.

1pm
Live from Wigmore Hall, London. Presented by Hannah French.

Haydn: Piano Sonata in E HXVI/31
Haydn: Piano Sonata in C minor HXVI/20
Brahms: 6 Klavierstücke Op. 118

Denis Kozhukhin (piano)

2pm
Johann Sebastian Bach
Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV1050
Marcello Gatti (flute)
Alessandro Tampieri (violin)
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)
Accademia Bizantina

Fanny Mendelssohn
String Quartet in E flat major
Carducci Quartet

Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 1 in C minor, Op. 68
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Thomas Sondergard (conductor)

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for 2 violins in A major, RV519
Alessandro Tampieri (viola d'amore)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

MON 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vw40)
Florence Price (1887-1953)

Columbused

Manuscripts found in a long abandoned summer house opened a new chapter in the story of Florence Price. Kate Molleson explores Price’s early life: her childhood in Little Rock, her family, education and the political climate that shaped her formative years. Joined by pianist and scholar Samantha Ege, she traces how Price learned her craft and how her ambitions developed in a society increasingly hostile to black success.

Negro Folksongs in Counterpoint – No. 4 Shortnin’ Bread
Catalyst Quartet

Violin Concerto No. 2
Randall Goosby, violin
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet Séguin, conductor

Symphony No. 4 in D minor – II. Andante cantabile
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet Séguin, conductor

Scenes in Tin Can Alley: The Huckster; Children at Play; Night
Josh Tatsuo Cullen, piano

Fantasie Nègre No. 1 in E minor
Samantha Ege, piano

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

MON 17:00 In Tune (m002vw43)
Pianist Nikolai Lugansky plays live

Petroc Trelawny speaks to mezzo soprano Helen Charlston and pianist Sholto Kynoch about their new album 'A Poet's Love', and pianist Nikolai Lugansky performs live ahead of his Wigmore Hall recital on 12th May.

MON 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vw45)
Half an hour of the finest classical music

Unwind from a busy day with a 30-minute soundscape of classical music. This evening's mixtape begins with the famous Adagio from Mozart's Clarinet Concerto. Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel makes an appearance before we hear pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason performing 'By the Still Waters' by Amy Beach, and Allegri's 'Miserere mei deus' finishes our journey.

Produced by Sean Smith.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3'.

MON 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vw47)
Brahms's Violin Concerto

Ahead of their Proms appearance, the Berlin Philharmonic perform in concert at the Philharmonie in Berlin. Star violinist Janine Jansen joins the Berlin Philharmonic to play Brahms's Violin Concerto, and the orchestra also performs Scriabin's 3rd Symphony, 'The Divine Poem' under chief conductor Kirill Petrenko.

Brahms: Violin Concerto in D, Op. 77

Interval

Scriabin: Symphony No. 3 in C minor, Op. 43, 'The Divine Poem'

Janine Jansen (violin)
Berlin Philharmonic
Kirill Petrenko (conductor)

Recorded on 31st January 2026 at the Philharmonie Berlin, and presented by Georgia Mann.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".

MON 21:45 The Essay (m002vw49)
David Munrow - The Pied Piper

1. Becoming David Munrow

Fifty years after David Munrow’s death, Edward Blakeman reflects on the music‑making, ambitions and legacy of the dynamic figure who helped transform Britain’s understanding of Early Music in the 1960s and 70s. Whether you know Munrow as a pioneering broadcaster and musician, or you’re discovering him for the first time, this series explores the spark and personality behind his remarkable rise.

Recorded at the Royal Academy of Music — home to a rich archive of Munrow’s papers, scores and personal notes — each episode draws on rare recordings, commercial releases and insights from music specialist Edward Breen, who has studied Munrow’s life in depth.

In this opening episode, Becoming David Munrow, Edward traces the unlikely path that set him on course for a ground-breaking career: from a childhood fascination with wind instruments to a formative trip to Peru collecting Andean pipes, and the early encounters with historic instruments that would shape his future. It’s the story of how Munrow became the right person, in the right place, at exactly the right time.

MON 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vw4d)
Music for the darkling hour

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 (m002vw4g)
Laura Misch’s 4/4

This week, Soweto welcomes South London saxophonist, vocalist, producer and field recordist Laura Misch as his 4/4 guest. Laura creates sonic worlds that are deeply inspired by the natural world. Most recently, her forthcoming album “Lithic” features music recorded in locations including Dungeness’ pebbles beach, and cliffs, caves, and a treehouse in Cornwall.

From Monday to Thursday, Laura is sharing some of the albums that continue to inspire her, for our 4/4 feature. To begin her week, she chooses a record by a fellow saxophonist that she admires.

There is also music from Naiyah, Alina Bzhezhinska, and King Oliver.

‘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 12 MAY 2026

TUE 00:30 Through the Night (m002vw4j)
German National Youth Orchestra from Cologne

Violinist Midori joins the German National Youth Orchestra and conductor Patrick Lange in Detlev Glanert's 2nd Violin Concerto followed by Schoenberg's orchestration of Brahms Piano Quartet No 1. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Detlev Glanert (b. 1960)
Violin Concerto no 2 'To the Immortal Beloved'
Midori (violin), Bundesjugendorchester, Patrick Lange (conductor)

01:12 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Arnold Schoenberg (arr.)
Piano Quartet no 1 in G minor, Op 25 (orchestral version)
Bundesjugendorchester, Patrick Lange (conductor)

01:52 AM
Edward Elgar (1857-1934)
The Wild Bears, from 'The Wand of Youth, Suite no 2, Op 1b'
Bundesjugendorchester, Patrick Lange (conductor)

01:55 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Guten Abend, gute Nacht
Bundesjugendorchester, Patrick Lange (conductor)

01:57 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856), Franz Liszt (arr.)
Widmung, Op 25 no 1
Jorge Bolet (piano)

02:02 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Cello Sonata no 1 in E minor, Op 38
Ciril Škerjanec (cello), Mojca Pucelj (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)
Piano Sonata no 15 in D major, Op 28 'Pastoral'
Ji-Yeong Mun (piano)

03:34 AM
Jacques Ibert (1890-1962)
Trois Pièces Brèves for wind quintet
Ariart Woodwind Quintet

03:41 AM
Johann Franz Xaver Sterkel (1750-1817)
Duet no 3 for 2 violas
Milan Telecky (viola), Zuzana Jarabakova (viola)

03:49 AM
Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov (1844-1908)
The Three Wonders from The tale of Tsar Saltan Suite, Op 57
BBC Philharmonic, Vassily Sinaisky (conductor)

03:57 AM
August Söderman (1832-1876), Johan Ludvig Runeberg (lyricist)
Three songs from 'Idyll and Epigram'
Swedish Radio Choir, Eric Ericson (conductor)

04:04 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Trio Sonata in D minor, Op 1 no 12, 'La Folia' (1705)
Florilegium Collinda

04:13 AM
Fryderyk Chopin (1810-1849)
Ballade no 3 in A flat major, Op 47
Nelson Goerner (piano)

04:21 AM
Peter Zagar (b.1961)
Blumenthal Dance no 2 for violin, viola, cello, clarinet and piano (1999)
Opera Aperta Ensemble

04:31 AM
Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767)
Concerto for 3 oboes, 3 violins and continuo in B flat major, TWV.44:43
Il Gardellino

04:40 AM
Johann Nepomuk Hummel (1778-1837)
Rondo in B minor, Op 109
Stefan Lindgren (piano)

04:49 AM
Darius Milhaud (1892-1974)
3 Psaumes de David for chorus, Op 339
Elmer Iseler Singers, Elmer Iseler (conductor)

04:58 AM
Anonymous
Middle Ages Suite
Bolette Roed (recorder), Alpha

05:08 AM
Zoltán Kodály (1882-1967)
Adagio for clarinet and piano
Kálmán Berkes (clarinet), Zóltan Kocsis (piano)

05:16 AM
Robert de Visée (c.1655-1733)
Prelude - Les Sylvains de Mr Couperin - Menuet - Gavotte
Simone Vallerotonda (theorbo)

05:25 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Symphony no 5 in B flat major, D.485
WDR Symphony Orchestra, Cologne, Cristian Măcelaru (conductor)

05:56 AM
Fritz Kreisler (1875-1962)
Recitativo and scherzo-caprice for violin solo (Op.6)
Fanny Clamagirand (violin)

06:01 AM
Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904)
Piano Trio in G minor, Op 26
Esther Hoppe (violin), Christian Poltéra (cello), Hiroko Sakagami (piano)

TUE 06:30 Breakfast (m002vxmq)
Start the day on the right note with classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

TUE 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vxms)
The very best of classical music

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 (m002vxmv)
Brahms from the BBC National Orchestra of Wales

Elizabeth Alker showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

Continuing our focus this week on the music of Brahms performed by our BBC Orchestras, today we've a double helping from Cardiff, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales playing his Variations on a Theme of Haydn as well as the 2nd Serenade. And we’ll stay in Wales for music on a smaller scale, with visits to recent festivals at Cowbridge and Hay, where Radio 3 microphones captured some of the UK’s finest musicians in intimate chamber concerts. Today, the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective play Mozart, and there's Schubert and Liszt from pianist Charles Owen.

Also, we’ll be hearing music by Vivaldi and Telemann from our Ensemble in Focus, the superb Italian Baroque group Accademia Bizantina.

1pm
Johannes Brahms
Variations on a Theme of Haydn, Op. 56
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jaime Martín (conductor)

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Piano Quartet No. 2 in E flat major, K493
Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto in A minor for Two Violins, RV522
Alessandro Tampieri (violin)
Gabriele Pro (violin)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Franz Schubert
Impromptu in B flat major, Op. 142 No. 3
Charles Owen (piano)

Johannes Brahms
Serenade No. 2 in A major, Op. 16
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Ryan Bancroft (conductor)

Germaine Tailleferre
Piano Trio
Mithras Trio

Georg Philipp Telemann
Concerto in E minor for flute and violin, TWV 52:e3
Marcello Gatti (flute)
Alessandro Tampieri (violin)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Franz Liszt
The Fountains of the Villa d'Este
Charles Owen (piano)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

TUE 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vxmx)
Florence Price (1887-1953)

New World

Kate Molleson follows Florence Price through a period of sharpening ambition and rising pressure. In conversation with pianist and scholar Samantha Ege, Kate Molleson explores Price’s early professional life, her growing engagement with African-American musical material, and the social and political forces shaping her voice. From teaching posts and rocky family dynamics to increasing exposure to violence and restriction under Jim Crow, Price persevered, adapted and continued to flourish in a world that sought to limit her.

Fantasie Nègre No. 2 in G minor
Samantha Ege, piano

String Quartet No. 2 in A minor – IV. Finale
Catalyst Quartet

Concert Overture No. 2
Württembergische Philharmonie Reutlingen
John Jeter, conductor

Adoration
Randall Goosby, violin
Zhu Wang, piano

Fantasie No. 2 in F sharp minor
Randall Goosby, violin
Zhu Wang, piano

A Day in the Life of a Washerwoman
Kirsten Johnson, piano

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

TUE 17:00 In Tune (m002vxmz)
Papagena sing live from their album Tomorrow is Today

A cappella vocal quintet Papagena sing live on In Tune from their latest album, Tomorrow is Today.
Petroc also chats to composer Peter Salem about his music for Northern Ballet’s production of Gentleman Jack.

TUE 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vxn1)
Classical music to inspire you

Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.

TUE 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vxn3)
Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations

Ahead of their Prom appearances, the French cellist Gautier Capuçon joins the Berlin Philharmonic to play Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, and the orchestra also performs Beethoven's 2nd Symphony.

Haydn: Overture in D, Hob. 1a:7
Stravinsky: Pulcinella, ballet suite
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op.33
Beethoven: Symphony No.2 in D, Op.36

Gautier Capuçon (cello)
Berlin Philharmonic
Kirill Petrenko (conductor)

Recorded on 1st May 2026 at the Haydn Hall, Catle, Esterhazy, and presented by Georgia Mann.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".

TUE 21:45 The Essay (m002vxn5)
David Munrow - The Pied Piper

2. Popularising Early Music

In the second episode of the series reflecting on the Early Music maverick David Munrow and his views and impact in the music scene throughout the 1960s and 70s, Edward Blakeman examines why he became a controversial figure, and at what cost - fifty years after his death.

Munrow's breakthrough recordings, many of them with The Early Music Consort of London, an ensemble he created in 1967, helped to popularise this genre and brought a breath of fresh air in the music industry, exploring material entirely new to audiences, even to expert ones. However, his working methods and practices, which sometimes included adaptations and experiments, created tensions among academics and the wider Early Music world.

In this chapter, Edward explores the controversies around Munrow's work and how this maverick musician reacted to it all.

With contributions by music expert Edward Breen, who's researched Munrow's life and career, this episode is recorded at the Royal Academy of Music, looking at an extensive archive of his papers and scores.

TUE 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vxn7)
Immersive music for late night listening

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 (m002vxn9)
Brand new from Audrey Powne

Saxophonist, vocalist and producer Laura Misch returns to share another best-loved album selection for 4/4, and tonight she chooses a leading trumpeter and label owner who she is inspired by.

Also in the programme, there is music from Jutta Hipp, Charlotte Dos Santos, and Conic Rose.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".

WEDNESDAY 13 MAY 2026

WED 00:30 Through the Night (m002vxnc)
Beethoven's Violin Concerto and 'Eroica' Symphony

Christian Tetzlaff performs Beethoven's Violin Concerto with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande under conductor Daniele Gatti. Beethoven's third symphony completes the programme. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Violin Concerto in D major, Op 61
Christian Tetzlaff (violin), Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Daniele Gatti (conductor)

01:11 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Andante, from 'Violin Sonata no 2 in A minor, BWV.1003'
Christian Tetzlaff (violin)

01:15 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Symphony no 3 in E flat major, Op 55 'Eroica'
Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, Daniele Gatti (conductor)

02:05 AM
Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827)
Adagio from Piano Trio no 4 in B flat, Op 11 'Gassenhauer'
Swiss Piano Trio

02:10 AM
Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958)
Oboe Concerto in A minor
Matthias Arter (oboe), I Tempi Chamber Orchestra, Gevorg Gharabekyan (conductor)

02:31 AM
Wilhelm Peterson-Berger (1867-1942)
Frösöblomster for Piano, Book 2 (1900)
Johan Ullén (piano)

02:55 AM
Felix Nowowiejski (1877-1946)
Missa pro pace, Op 49 no 3
Polish Radio Choir, Andrzej Bialko (organ), Wlodzimierz Siedlik (conductor)

03:33 AM
Rosario Bourdon (1885-1961)
Elegiac poem for cello and orchestra
Alain Aubut (cello), Orchestre Métropolitain, Gilles Auger (conductor)

03:39 AM
Carl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787)
Symphony in C major, Op 10 no 4
La Stagione Frankfurt, Michael Schneider (conductor)

03:49 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918), Pierre Louÿs (author)
Chansons de Bilitis - 3 melodies for voice & piano
Paula Hoffman (mezzo soprano), Lars David Nilsson (piano)

03:58 AM
Antonio Soler (1729-1783)
Fandango
Fredrik From (violin), Benjamin Scherer Questa (violin), Teodoro Baù (viola d'arco), Hager Hanana (cello), Joanna Boślak-Górniok (harpsichord), Dagmara Kapczyńska (harpsichord), Gwennaëlle Alibert (harpsichord), Bolette Roed (recorder), Komalé Akakpo (dulcimer)

04:05 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Overture (Manfred, Op 115)
Danish National Radio Symphony Orchestra, Michael Schønwandt (conductor)

04:18 AM
Alfredo Casella (1883-1947)
Barcarola e scherzo
Min Park (flute), Huw Watkins (piano)

04:27 AM
Gion Balzer Casanova (b.1938)
La sera sper il lag (Evening on the Lake)
Cantus Firmus Surselva, Clau Sherrer (director)

04:31 AM
Erich Wolfgang Korngold (1897-1957), Paul Schott (librettist)
Mein Sehnen, mein Wähnen, from 'Die tote Stadt'
Aleksander Nohr (baritone), Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Petr Popelka (conductor)

04:35 AM
Adolf Schulz-Evler (1852-1905),Johann Strauss II (1825-1899)
Concert arabesque on themes by Johann Strauss for piano
Benjamin Grosvenor (piano)

04:46 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Trio sonata for 2 violins & continuo in D minor 'La Folia', RV.63 (Op 1 no 12)
Il Giardino Armonico, Giovanni Antonini (director)

04:56 AM
Arcangelo Corelli (1653-1713), Thomas Billington (arr.)
Concerto in C major for organ, Op 6 no 10
Willem Poot (organ)

05:06 AM
Luigi Dallapiccola (1904-1975)
2 Cori di Michelangelo Buonarroti il Giovane - set 1 for unaccompanied chorus
Netherlands Chamber Choir, Eric Ericson (conductor)

05:18 AM
Aloÿs-Henri-Gérard Fornerod (1890-1965)
Concert for 2 violins and piano, Op 16
Sibylle Tschopp (violin), Mirjam Tschopp (violin), Isabel Tschopp (piano)

05:36 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Serenade no 2 in A major, Op 16
Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony Orchestra, Raffi Armenian (conductor)

06:08 AM
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
Images - set 2 for piano
Roger Woodward (piano)

06:22 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Rondo concertante in B flat major, K.269
James Ehnes (violin), Mozart Anniversary Orchestra

WED 06:30 Breakfast (m002vywg)
Rise and shine with classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

WED 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vywj)
Relax into the day with classical

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 (m002vywl)
The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra Live from Salford Quays

Elizabeth Alker showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

The heart of today’s programme is a live concert from the players of the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, at home in their Salford studio. Tom Fetherstonhaugh conducts Mayer’s Overture in D and the Symphony No. 2 by Brahms, part of a major focus this week on his symphonic music performed by our BBC Orchestras. We pay another visit to Hay on Wye for a double helping of Schubert, including the Carducci Quartet playing his early String Quartet in E flat. And we continue our focus this week on the superb Italian Baroque group Accademia Bizantina with a Vivaldi Violin Concerto performed last summer in Stockholm.

1pm
Antonio Vivaldi
Violin Concerto in E minor, RV 273
Alessandro Tampieri (violin)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Franz Schubert
Impromptu in G flat major, Op. 90 No. 3
Charles Owen (piano)

***
1.30pm - Live concert from MediaCity, Salford

Emilie Mayer
Overture No. 4 in D minor

Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 2 in D major, Op. 73

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Tom Fetherstonhaugh (conductor)
***

Franz Schubert
String Quartet in E flat major, D87
Carducci Quartet

Lili Boulanger
Introduction and Cortège
Elena Urioste (violin)
Tom Poster (piano)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

WED 15:00 Choral Evensong (m002vywn)
Bristol Cathedral

Live from Bristol Cathedral on the Eve of the Ascension.

Introit: Coelus ascendit hodie (Stanford)
Responses: Rose
Office Hymn: Eternal Monarch, King most high (Gonfalon Royal)
Psalms 15, 24 (Hayes, Barnby)
First Lesson: 2 Samuel 23 vv1-5
Canticles: St John’s Service (Jonathan Dove)
Second Lesson: Colossians 2 v20-3 v4
Anthem: God is gone up (Finzi)
Hymn: The head that once was crowned with thorns (St Magnus)
Voluntary: Épilogue (Laurin)

Mark Lee (Master of the Choristers and Organist)
Paul Walton (Assistant Organist)

To listen on most smart speakers, just say “ask BBC Sounds to play Choral Evensong”.

WED 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vywq)
Florence Price (1887-1953)

Dean of the Midwest

Florence Price arrives in Chicago at a moment of creative energy and possibility. Alongside pianist and author Samantha Ege, Kate Molleson follows Price into the South Side’s vibrant musical world, where she finds recognition, community and the freedom to compose at scale. From popular and pedagogical music to large scale orchestral ambition, it seems that finally – but briefly – the world was ready for her.

Fantasie No. 1 in G minor
Randall Goosby, violin
Zhu Wang, piano

The Goblin and the Mosquito
Alexandra Dariescu, piano

Rocking Chair
Artina McCain, piano

At the Cotton Gin
Artina McCain, piano

Moon Bridge
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Paul Shaw, piano

Songs to the Dark Virgin
Jonathan King, tenor
Will Liverman, baritone

Ethiopia’s Shadow in America (extracts)
ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
John Jeter, conductor

Symphony No. 1 in E minor – I. Allegro ma non troppo
Fort Smith Symphony
John Jeter, conductor

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

WED 17:00 In Tune (m002vyws)
Petroc talks to Sir John Tomlinson

Petroc chats to Sir John Tomlinson about singing the role of Gurnemanz in an upcoming production of Parsifal by The Mahler Players at Inverness Cathedral.

Petroc also introduces live music from piano duo Wu Qian & Juho Pohjonen.

WED 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vywv)
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.

WED 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vywx)
Strauss's Death and Transfiguration

The Orchestre National de France is joined by American star opera singer Joyce DiDonato in songs by Alma and Gustav Mahler, and also performs Richard Strauss's 'Death and Transfiguration'.

Richard Strauss: Tod und Verklärung, Op.24

Interval

Alma Mahler, orch Jorma Panula: Five Songs
Gustav Mahler: Rückert-Lieder

Joyce DiDonato (mezzo soprano)
Orchestre National de France
Cristian Macelaru (conductor)

Recorded on 10th October 2025 at Théâtre des Champs-Elysées, Paris, and presented by Georgia Mann.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".

WED 21:45 The Essay (m002vywz)
David Munrow - The Pied Piper

3. The amorous flute

To many, the recorder is a modest schoolroom instrument. But not for David Munrow - one of the most dynamic and influential musicians of the 20th century... For him, it became the gateway to a musical world bursting with colour, curiosity and adventure.

Half a century after his sudden death, The Essay takes a fresh look at Munrow’s remarkable impact on British musical life. As a performer, teacher, broadcaster and pioneer of Early Music, Munrow had an infectious energy that captivated audiences who had never encountered these sounds before. His passion for the recorder wasn’t about nostalgia, but about unlocking new ways of hearing - playful, radical and unexpectedly modern.

Recorded inside the Royal Academy of Music and drawing on a rich archive of papers, scores and historic performances, this series brings listeners closer to the maverick spirit behind the music. With contributions from expert Edward Breen, we revisit Munrow’s ground-breaking work and rediscover how one man - and one “underrated” instrument - helped change the sound of a generation.

WED 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vyx1)
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.

WED 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002vyx3)
Soothing sounds from Eleanor Dunsdon & Gregor Black

Tonight, Laura Misch is back with her third 4/4 record pick of the week, and this time she selects a release by a Norwegian-Mexican music artist whose explorative soundscapes she appreciates.

Plus music from ALA.NI, Tomo Katsurada & Misha Panfilov, and Billy Mohler.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Round Midnight".

THURSDAY 14 MAY 2026

THU 00:30 Through the Night (m002vyx5)
Shostakovich and Weinberg

Mirga Gražinyte-Tyla directs the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra in music by Mieczysław Weinberg and Shostakovich, including Weinberg's famous work The Golden Key and Shostakovich's second piano concerto. They perform less well known works by both, too: Weinberg's Symphony no 13 and Shostakovich's secular cantata Antiformalist Rayok. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-1996)
The Golden Key
Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (conductor)

12:48 AM
Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Piano Concerto no 2 in F, Op 102
Andrei Korobeinikov (piano), Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (conductor)

01:08 AM
Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Antiformalist Rayok (cantata)
Alexander Teliga (bass), François Chattot (narrator), Choeur de Radio France, Edward Ananian-Cooper (choirmaster), Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (conductor)

01:33 AM
Mieczysław Weinberg (1919-1996)
Symphony no 13, Op 115
Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla (conductor)

02:10 AM
Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)
Prelude and Fugue in D flat major, Op 87 no 15
Tom Borrow (piano)

02:15 AM
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)
Ich armer Mensch, ich Sündenknecht, BWV.55
Raphael Höhn (tenor), Gdansk University Choir, Café Zimmermann

02:31 AM
Robert Schumann (1810-1856)
Piano Quintet in E flat major, Op 44
Igor Levit (piano), Signum Quartet

03:01 AM
Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Horn Concerto no 2 in E flat major
Markus Maskuniitty (horn), Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra, Junichi Hirokami (conductor)

03:21 AM
Judith Weir (b.1954)
String quartet
Silesian Quartet

03:34 AM
Carl Friedrich Abel (1723-1787)
Sonata in G major for transverse flute and harpsichord, Op 6 no 6
Karl Kaiser (transverse flute), Susanne Kaiser (harpsichord)

03:44 AM
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897), Antonín Dvořák (arr.)
5 Hungarian dances (nos 17-21) orch. Dvorak (orig. pf duet)
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Eivind Aadland (conductor)

03:56 AM
Carlo Gesualdo da Venosa (1566-1613)
Ave dulcissima Maria
Monteverdi Choir, John Eliot Gardiner (conductor)

04:03 AM
John Field (1782-1837)
Andante inédit in E flat major for piano
Marc-André Hamelin (piano)

04:11 AM
Carl Nielsen (1865-1931)
An Imaginary journey to the Faroes, FS 123
Baltic Sea Youth Philharmonic, Kristjan Järvi (conductor)

04:16 AM
Jules Massenet (1842-1912)
Méditation, from 'Thaïs'
David Nebel (violin), Giorgi Iuldashevi (piano)

04:23 AM
Imogen Holst (1907-1984)
Leiston Suite for brass quartet
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

04:31 AM
Alice Mary Smith (1839-1884)
The Masque of Pandora (Overture)
BBC Concert Orchestra, Bramwell Tovey (conductor)

04:42 AM
Arvo Pärt (b.1935)
Magnificat
Jauna Muzika, Vaclovas Augustinas (conductor)

04:48 AM
Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944)
Flute Concertino, Op 107
Maria Filippova (flute), Ekaterina Mirzaeva (piano)

04:57 AM
Traditional, Hugh Cutting (arranger), Tara Viscardi (arr.)
Siúil a Rún; The Lark in the Morning
Hugh Cutting (counter tenor), Tara Viscardi (harp), Leo Appel (viola), Daniel Murphy (guitar)

05:04 AM
George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
Trio Sonata in G major HWV 399 for 2 violins, viola and continuo Op 5 No 4
Musica Antiqua Köln

05:17 AM
Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)
Piano Sonata in E minor, Op 7
Zóltan Kocsis (piano)

05:35 AM
Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)
Symphony no 4 in A major 'Italian', Op 90
Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Nello Santi (conductor)

06:05 AM
Benjamin Britten (1913-1976)
Serenade for tenor, horn and strings, Op 31
Mark Padmore (tenor), Thomas Müller (horn), Zürcher Kammerorchester, Duncan Ward (conductor)

THU 06:30 Breakfast (m002vxr7)
Roll out of bed into classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

THU 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vxr9)
Celebrating classical greats

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 (m002vxrc)
Brahms’ Symphony No. 3 from Aberdeen

Mark Forrest showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

Continuing our major focus this week on our BBC Orchestras playing Brahms, today we hear his 3rd Symphony performed in Aberdeen by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. We return to Wales for more chamber music recorded last year at the Hay and Cowbridge Festivals: former Radio 3 New Generation Artists the Mithras Trio play Ravel in Hay and the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective perform the Horn Trio by Brahms in Cowbridge. Also, we’ll be hearing music by Bach and Vivaldi from our Ensemble in Focus this week, the superb Italian Baroque group Accademia Bizantina.

1pm
Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 3 in F major
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ryan Wigglesworth (conductor)

Johann Sebastian Bach
Concerto for Flute, Violin and Harpsichord, BWV1044
Marcello Gatti (flute)
Alessandro Tampieri (violin)
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)
Accademia Bizantina

Maurice Ravel
Piano Trio
Mithras Trio

Dora Pejacevic
Impromptu for Piano Quartet
Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective

Johannes Brahms
Trio in E flat major for horn, violin and piano
Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for viola d'amore in A minor, RV 394
Alessandro Tampieri (viola d'amore)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for violin in G minor, RV315 ‘Summer’ (3rd mvt, Presto)
Alessandro Tampieri (violin)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

THU 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vxrf)
Florence Price (1887-1953)

All the World's Fair's a stage

Kate Molleson focuses on Florence Price at a moment when her music was reaching its widest audience, from major orchestral performances to high profile cultural events in Chicago. Centring on the World’s Fair, the programme traces the concerts, pageants and collaborations through which Price’s work circulated during the 1930s, and the prominence she achieved amid the social and political realities of the period.

String Quartet in G major – II. Andante moderato
Catalyst Quartet

Symphony No. 1 in E minor – III. Juba Dance
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor

Fantasie Nègre No. 4 in B minor
Samantha Ege, piano

Piano Concerto in One Movement – Adagio cantabile
Jeneba Kanneh Mason, piano
Chineke! Orchestra
Leslie Suganandarajah, conductor

Sympathy
Louise Toppin, soprano
Jay Pierson, piano
John O’Brien, piano

My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord
Marian Anderson, contralto

The Oak
Apo Hsu, conductor
The Women’s Philharmonic

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

THU 17:00 In Tune (m002vxrh)
The Sarahbanda live in session

Sarah Willis and her Cuban band The Sarahbanda perform live on In Tune. Virtuoso jazz guitarist Julian Lage chats to Petroc ahead of his Royal Festival Hall concert.

THU 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vxrk)
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.

THU 19:30 Radio 3 in Concert (m002vxrm)
Nights in the Gardens of Spain

The Spanish National Orchestra performs a programme of music by Manuel de Falla, being joined by French pianist Bertrand Chamayou for the Nights in the Gardens of Spain.

Manuel de Falla: Fantasia betica
Manuel de Falla: Noches en los jardines de España

Interval

Manuel de Falla: Homenajes, suite
Manuel de Falla: El amor brujo

Bertrand Chamayou (piano)
Spanish National Orchestra
David Afkham (conductor)

Recorded on 26th April 2026 at Auditorio Nacional, Madrid, and presented by Georgia Mann.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3 in Concert".

THU 21:45 The Essay (m002vxrq)
David Munrow - The Pied Piper

4. Radio 3's Pied Piper series

In this episode of the series analysing David Munrow's life and career, fifty years after his death, Edward Blakeman assesses what made his long-running children's series for Radio 3, comprising more than 600 programmes, so popular in the 1970s.

Using samples from this seminal series, taken from Radio 3's archives, this programme reflects on Munrow's skills as supreme communicator, his broad knowledge and enormous enthusiasm for music of all kinds, well beyond the Western Classical canon, all of which made this series a must-listen not only for children around Britain, but adults as well.

This episode also recounts how the series was put together, including fascinating anecdotes from people who collaborated with him at the time.

Recorded at the Royal Academy of Music, before papers from Munrow's rich archive, with contributions by Edward Breen, an expert on the maverick musician's life and career.

THU 22:00 Night Tracks (m002vxrv)
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.

THU 23:30 'Round Midnight (m002vxs1)
Saxophonist Soweto Kinch picks jazz from all eras, with a focus on new British artists.

FRIDAY 15 MAY 2026

FRI 00:30 Through the Night (m002vxs7)
Mozart, Kelemen, Brekalo and Schubert from Croatia

Music by Croatian composers and performers to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first broadcast in 1926 on Croatian Radio. John Shea presents.

12:31 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Overture to 'Le nozze di Figaro'
Zagreb Philharmonic, Ivan Josip Skender (conductor)

12:36 AM
Milko Kelemen (1924-2018)
Violin Concerto
Goran Končar (violin), Zagreb Philharmonic, Ivan Josip Skender (conductor)

01:04 AM
Matko Brekalo (b.1993)
Intuitive Imaginations
Zagreb Philharmonic, Ivan Josip Skender (conductor)

01:10 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Symphony no 8 in B minor, D. 759 'Unfinished'
Zagreb Philharmonic, Ivan Josip Skender (conductor)

01:31 AM
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
Sonata for arpeggione and piano in A minor D.821
Arto Noras (cello), Konstantin Bogino (piano)

01:54 AM
Giulio Schiavetto (fl.1562–5, Croatian), Dr Lovro Zupanovic (transc.)
Madrigal: Io non voglio lodar (I do not wish to praise)
Slovenian Chamber Choir, Vladimir Kranjčević (director)

01:58 AM
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)
Piano Concerto No 26 in D major. K537 'Coronation'
Dubravka Tomšič Srebotnjak (piano), Slovenska Filharmonija, Milan Horvat (conductor)

02:31 AM
Igor Kuljerić (1938-2006)
Croatian Glagolitic Requiem
Nelly Manuilenko (soprano), Merita Juniku (mezzo soprano), Janez Lotric (tenor), Josip Lesaja (baritone), Ivan Zajc Croatian Chorus, Croatian Radio-Television Symphony Orchestra, Tonči Bilić (conductor)

03:29 AM
Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)
Concerto for strings and continuo in D minor, "Il Piccolino" (RV.127)
I Cameristi Italiani

03:34 AM
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)
Moses Fantaisie (after Rossini) for cello and piano
Monika Leskovar (cello), Ivana Schwartz (piano)

03:42 AM
Leopold Ebner (1769-1830)
Trio in B flat major
Zagreb Woodwind Trio

03:49 AM
Emil Cossetto (1918-2006)
2 Dances (excerpt cantata 'Zeleni Jura' (Green George))
Pavica Gvozdic (piano)

03:58 AM
Giulio Schiavetto (fl.1562–5, Croatian), Dr Lovro Zupanovic (transc.)
Canzon
Slovenian Chamber Choir, Vladimir Kranjčević (director)

04:07 AM
Luka Sorkočević (1734-1789), Frano Matušic (arr.)
Symphony no 3 in D major
Dubrovnik Guitar Trio

04:14 AM
Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840)
Polacca con variazioni
Viktor Pikajzen (violin), Evgenia Sejdelj (piano)

04:20 AM
Jakov Gotovac (1895-1982)
Symphonic Dance 'Kolo', Op 12
Zagreb Philharmonic Orchestra, Kazushi Ono (conductor)

04:31 AM
Frano Parać (b.1948)
Scherzo for Winds
Zagreb Wind Quintet

04:39 AM
Ivan Jarnović (1747-1804)
Fantasia and Rondo in G major
Vladimir Krpan (piano)

04:44 AM
Traditional, Vladimir Ruždjak (arr.)
Green Woods
Vladimir Ruždjak (baritone), Zagreb Soloists

04:48 AM
Vladimir Ruždjak (1922-1987)
5 Folk Tunes for baritone and orchestra
Miroslav Zivkovich (baritone), Croatian Radio-Television Symphony Orchestra, Mladen Tarbuk (conductor)

04:57 AM
Alberta Suriani (1920-1977)
Partita for harp
Branka Janjanin-Magdalenič (harp)

05:07 AM
John Stanley (1712-1786), Unknown (arr.)
Voluntary in D major (Op.5 No.5) arr. for trumpet and organ
Stanko Arnold (trumpet), Ljerka Ocic-Turkulin (organ)

05:12 AM
Krsto Odak (1888-1965)
Adriatic Symphony, Op 36
Croatian Radio-Television Symphony Orchestra, Baldo Podic (conductor)

05:45 AM
Dora Pejačević (1885-1923)
Life of Flowers, Op 19
Ida Gamulin (piano)

06:05 AM
Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
String Quartet no 62 in C Major, Op 76 no 3 'Emperor'
Sebastian String Quartet

FRI 06:30 Breakfast (m002vy2x)
Boost your morning with classical music

Tom McKinney presents Radio 3’s Breakfast show live from Salford. With birdsong, Bach Before 7 and the best in classical music. You can contact the show by emailing 3breakfast@bbc.co.uk.

To listen on most smart speakers, just say 'Ask BBC Sounds to play 3 Breakfast’.

FRI 09:30 Essential Classics (m002vy31)
A feast of great music

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 (m002vy35)
The BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra plays Brahms' 4th Symphony

Mark Forrest showcases the best performances by BBC orchestras, choirs, ensembles and other great performing groups from Europe and around the globe.

We end our week-long focus on our BBC Orchestras playing the music of Brahms with a double bill. First, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra perform the Concerto for Violin and Cello, with principal players Zoe Beyers (violin) and Peter Dixon (cello) in the solo roles. And later, Elim Chan conducts the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra in the magnificent Symphony No. 4.

We return to Wales to hear music recorded by Radio 3 at recent editions of the festivals at Hay on Wye and Cowbridge, including Trio Gaspard playing the Piano Trio by Bedřich Smetana. And there’s more music by Vivaldi courtesy of our Ensemble in Focus, the superb Italian Baroque group Accademia Bizantina.

1pm
Johannes Brahms
Concerto in A minor Op.102 for violin, cello and orchestra
Zoe Beyers (violin)
Peter Dixon (cello)
BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Daniel Bjarnason (conductor)

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for Strings in F, RV 138
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Antonio Vivaldi
Concerto for Viola d'amore and Strings in A minor, RV 397
Alessandro Tampieri (viola d'amore)
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Mel Bonis
Soir et Matin
Mithras Trio

Johannes Brahms
Symphony No. 4 in E minor, Op. 98
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Elim Chan (conductor)

Antonio Vivaldi
Sinfonia in G, RV 149 ('Il coro delle muse')
Accademia Bizantina
Ottavio Dantone (harpsichord and director)

Bedřich Smetana
Piano Trio
Trio Gaspard

Johannes Brahms
Academic Festival Overture
BBC National Orchestra of Wales
Jaime Martín (conductor)

To listen to this programme (using most smart speakers), just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Classical Live".

FRI 16:00 Composer of the Week (m002vy37)
Florence Price (1887-1953)

More than a woman

Kate Molleson and Samantha Ege explore Florence Price’s later years and the music she left behind. To close the week, the pair delve into Price’s struggles for recognition, her encounters with musical gatekeepers, and the range of work she continued to produce. It includes music recovered after her death, and Ege’s own completion of Fantasie Nègre No. 3, raising questions about preservation, authorship and how Price’s legacy continues to take shape.

Resignation
Reginald Mobley, countertenor
Baptiste Trotignon, piano

Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major – III. Allegro
Randall Goosby, violin
The Philadelphia Orchestra
Yannick Nézet Séguin, conductor

The Mississippi River – I–IV
ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
John Jeter, conductor

Fantasie Nègre No. 3 in F minor
Samantha Ege, piano

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

FRI 17:00 In Tune (m002vy39)
Anne-Sophie Mutter performs live

Star violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter performs live on In Tune with pianist Lauma Skride.

Petroc also talks to Alistair McGowan, Chairman and Artistic Director of the Ludlow Piano Festival.

FRI 19:00 Classical Mixtape (m002vy3c)
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.

FRI 19:30 Friday Night is Music Night (m002vy3f)
Richard Rodgers from the Royal and Derngate Theatre Northampton

Richard Balcombe conducts the BBC Concert Orchestra, with singers Katie Birtill and Patrick Smyth, celebrating one of the most composers from the golden age of American musicals.

Presented by Katie Derham from the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton.

Rodgers: Overture - Oklahoma!
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: O what a beautiful mornin’ (Oklahoma!)
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: Hello Young Lovers (The King & I)
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: Medley: This can't be falling in love (The Boys from Syracuse)
Rodgers: Victory at Sea
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: I Could Write a Book (Pal Joey)
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: My Funny Valentine (Babes in Arms)
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: Carousel Waltz

-----INTERVAL-----

Rodgers arr. Balcombe: Overture - South Pacific
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: My Favourite Things (The Sound of Music)
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: This Nearly Was Mine (South Pacific)
Rodgers: Dream Ballet from Oklahoma!
Rodgers arr. Balcombe: The Lady is a Tramp (Babes In Arms)
Rodgers arr. Richard Rodney Bennett: Slaughter on 10th Avenue (On your Toes)

Singers Katie Birtill and Patrick Smyth
BBC Concert Orchestra
Conductor Richard Balcombe

FRI 21:45 The Essay (m002vy3h)
David Munrow - The Pied Piper

5. Leaving a legacy

In this concluding episode, Edward Blakeman reflects on David Munrow’s legacy fifty years after his death. How do his recordings sound to us in 2026 — bold period pieces, visionary milestones, or something still thrillingly alive? And what artistic path might he have followed had his life not been cut short?

Drawing on rare archive material, commercial recordings and the rich resources of Munrow’s papers and scores at the Royal Academy of Music, the programme explores his influence as performer, researcher, bandleader and broadcaster. Among the music revisited is Munrow’s recording of an Anthony Holborne dance — chosen for NASA’s Voyager probe as a portrait of human culture sailing beyond the Milky Way.

With insights from Munrow specialist Edward Breen and soprano Sally Dunkley, who took part in his ground-breaking recordings, this final chapter considers how a remarkable musician continues to shape the way we listen today and what we might learn from his pioneering work, fifty years on...

FRI 22:00 Late Junction (m002vy3k)
Almost waking

As the city of Berlin gears up for The Infinite Now - a two-day joint festival from Atonal and Unsound - Verity Sharp shares music by some of the most exciting experimental acts on the bill including Joy Guidry, Aleksandra Słyż and Keiji Haino. Consisting of thirty hours of continuous programming - a journey through dusk, night, dawn, day and a second dusk - the festival will encourage its audience to sleep, rest and eat as well as to listen as the music unfolds. Taking inspiration from this overnight odyssey, Verity picks some songs of rude and gentle awakening as well as sounds for the small hours.

Produced by Cat Gough
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 (m002vy3m)
Saxophonist Soweto Kinch picks jazz from all eras, with a focus on new British artists.

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 (m002vw4g)

'Round Midnight 23:30 TUE (m002vxn9)

'Round Midnight 23:30 WED (m002vyx3)

'Round Midnight 23:30 THU (m002vxs1)

'Round Midnight 23:30 FRI (m002vy3m)

Breakfast 06:30 SAT (m002vw0d)

Breakfast 06:30 SUN (m002vvwz)

Breakfast 06:30 MON (m002vw3m)