Three to look out for

Alan Davey, the controller of BBC Radio 3, picks out three great moments to tune into this May

BBC SO Total Immersion

The BBC Symphony Orchestra is turning its attention to the music of Lili and Nadia Boulanger for a full day of film, talks and events. This concert is the finale, with Lili Boulanger’s Faust et Hélène – the magnificent cantata that made her the first woman to win the Prix de

Rome – as the centrepiece.

Radio 3 in Concert; 8 May, 7.30pm

River series

After the success of last year’s series on forests, we’re exploring nature again, this time focussing on rivers. Breakfast will be broadcast live from different locations along the River Severn every day for a week, tracing its path from source to sea. Breakfast & The Essay: 13-18 May, 6.30am & 10.45pm; Sunday Feature: 12 May, 6.45pm

Amy Beach

The unique soundworld and myriad influences of the fascinating American composer Amy Beach will be explored throughout the week, with stories of how she battled prejudice to find her voice, both as a composer and concert pianist.

Composer of the Week; 29 April-3 May, 12 noon