Three to look out for

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

Free the Music

Presented by the electrifying violinist Pekka Kuusisto, this new series will focus on the power of improvisation and its potential to unlock creativity. Kuusisto will explore the way improvisation informs various styles of music, as well as his own unique approach to music making. Every Saturday from 11 December, 12 midnight

Ivors Composer Awards

Radio 3 presents its annual broadcast of the Ivors, a celebration of UK classical and jazz composition and sound arts, recorded at the British Museum. New Music Show: 11 December, 10pm

A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols The beloved Christmas Eve service at King’s College, Cambridge was sadly unable to take place last year, with the choristers instead recording the service in advance. This year, we hope the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols will look much more like normal. It’ll be broadcast live on Christmas Eve at 3pm on BBC Radio 4 and the BBC World Service – or you can catch it on Radio 3 on Christmas Day. 25 December, 1pm