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Published: Tuesday, 05 November 2024 at 08:00 AM
BBC Radio 3 launches Unwind – a 24/7 stream of calming classical music on BBC Sounds
BBC Radio 3’s Unwind, a new 24/7 stream showcasing a broad range of calming classical music has launched on BBC Sounds. The new schedule, fronted by presenters from across the UK and beyond, aims to enhance listeners’ wellbeing and help them escape the pressures of daily life.
In addition to a diverse range of music, from the medieval to the present day, the stream will include content promoting focus and relaxation, and contributions from guest experts and academics in fields such as psychology, neuroscience and mental health.
BBC Radio 3 Unwind’s presenter lineup includes Edith Bowman, Dr Sian Williams, Niall Breslin and AFRODEUTSCHE, who join familiar Radio 3 and BBC Sounds names such as Ólafur Arnalds, Sara Mohr-Pietsch, Hannah Peel and Izzy Judd.
The schedule champions music by living composers, with a particular focus on those from the UK. It also plays the music of under-represented composers, and includes live and specially recorded repertoire from the BBC Orchestras and Choirs and Radio 3’s New Generation Artists.
Sam Jackson, Controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms says:
‘We’re thrilled to launch BBC Radio 3 Unwind: our new stream offering listeners an exciting gateway into classical music. With carefully curated shows and distinctive programming, Radio 3 Unwind will create a space for respite and escape, presented by our line-up of world-class broadcasters.
‘As our lives become ever more consumed by technology, deadlines and stress, the music on BBC Radio 3 Unwind offers the perfect antidote, whilst also supporting new and emerging talent – and showcasing music that simply isn’t heard anywhere else.’
BBC Unwind… the schedule in more detail
Broadcaster, psychologist and host of BBC Radio 4’s Life Changing podcast Dr Sian Williams presents the daily mid-morning programme, Classical Unwind. Featuring a broad selection of classical music, Classical Unwind also weaves in helpful advice from experts, including the neuroscientist and author, Professor Catherine Loveday.
Film expert and broadcaster Edith Bowman provides a musical backdrop to late afternoons Monday to Saturday with escapist music from film and TV in her new show, Cinematic Soundtracks.
From 6pm to 9pm, Irish musician, composer, podcaster and mental health advocate Niall Breslin, an honorary fellow at the Irish Royal College of Surgeons, helps listeners recharge after a busy day with Classical Wind Down.
On Sundays, BAFTA-nominated composer, DJ, producer and broadcaster AFRODEUTSCHE introduces Radio 3 Unwind listeners to enticing new music from some of the UK’s brightest contemporary classical composers and artists with her new show, Soundwaves.
Finally, the new overnight show Sleep Tracks helps listeners drift off with a soundscape of classical music, expertly mixed with field recordings and the sounds of nature and the outdoors.
Alongside these new shows, BBC Radio 3 Unwind includes popular programmes such as Ultimate Calm with Ólafur Arnalds and The Music & Meditation Podcast with NAO and Izzy Judd, as well as simulcasting Radio 3’s Night Tracks with Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Hannah Peel. Its schedule also includes some of BBC Sounds’ most listened to and relaxing music mixes, such as the Mindful Mix, Piano Focus and The Sleeping Forecast.