Radio & TV listings
Each issue we provide full listings for BBC Radio 3 introduced by the station’s controller Alan Davey, plus highlights of classical music programmes on television
Alan Davey, the controller of Radio 3, picks out three great moments to tune into in June
BBC MUSIC DAY
Now in its third year, BBC Music Day is an established summer highlight on the musical calendar. For this year’s day of music-making (15 June) there is a surprise twist, with the unveiling of 40 new blue plaques (see feature, p36) to celebrate musicians and venues, as voted for by listeners across the BBC’S local radio stations and on social media. Meanwhile, children will be taking part in morning assemblies across the land inspired by Ten Pieces II, the BBC’S latest shortlist of classical works for schools. Radio 3 will be covering the day’s events and a highlight will be a special in Concert from Swansea, where Thomas Søndergård puts the BBC National Orchestra of Wales through its paces in Stravinsky’s landmark The Rite of Spring. BBC Music Day; 15 June
BBC CARDIFF SINGER
Radio 3 is returning to St David’s Hall for the exciting last stages of BBC Cardiff Singer of the World. From 13-16 June, the hotly contested final rounds of the prestigious competition will be broadcast in Lunchtime Concerts, before the esteemed panel of judges – including soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and bass-baritone Thomas Quasthoff – make their winning selections for the Song Prize
(16 June) and Grand Final (18 June). These will both be broadcast in special Live in Concerts.
Since its inception in 1983, the competition has launched the careers of some of today’s biggest names, including bass-baritone Bryn Terfel and soprano Karita Mattila.
Read our interview with BBC Cardiff Singer of the World jury member Thomas Quasthoff, p48. Lunchtime & Live in Concert; 13-18 June
EVENSONG AT THE VATICAN
The Choir of Merton College, Oxford recently visited St Peter’s Basilica to sing in the Vatican’s first ever Anglican Evensong. Radio 3 was also there to record this historic service (in March) for a summer broadcast. The music includes two Byrd motets Prevent us, O Lord and Justorum animae and Bairstow’s Blessed City, Heavenly Salem and Bach’s Prelude in B minor, BWV 544. Choral Evensong; 28 June, 7.30pm