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Read on to discover our pick of the best classical Christmas TV and Radio this December on BBC radio and television, iPlayer and BBC Sounds…<\/strong><\/p> In this new series about how we pass on and are nurtured by music, Nicky Campbell speaks to politician Neil Kinnock, novelist Nadifa Mohamed and footballer David James about their experiences of family life – with a sprinkling of seasonal numbers.<\/p> Radio 3<\/a>, 30 Nov, 7 & 14 Dec, 1pm<\/strong><\/p> Radio 3 kicks off the festive season with an Advent<\/a><\/strong> adventure across the UK. Right across the day\u2019s programming, nature reserves, islands, pubs and chapels throughout the four nations play host to live broadcasts celebrating some of our unique yuletide musical\u00a0traditions.<\/p> Radio 3, 1 Dec, all day<\/strong><\/p> Kate Molleson takes Composer of the Week<\/em> on a festive armchair journey to five countries in Latin America<\/a><\/strong>, introducing us to composers and traditions spanning centuries and longitudes. From sumptuous Baroque<\/a><\/strong> choral music in Mexico to cool Brazilian<\/a><\/strong> bossa nova<\/a><\/strong>, Argentinian folk<\/a><\/strong> carols, Venezuelan guitar music and irresistible Puerto Rican salsa, there are plenty of treasures throughout the week to refresh your seasonal playlist.<\/p> Radio 3, 9-13 Dec, 4pm<\/strong><\/p> Strap in for a sonic sleigh ride as Radio 3 joins in the European Broadcasting Union\u2019s annual December celebrations. Concerts come live throughout the day from cities including Prague, Copenhagen, Munich, Cologne, Helsinki and Reykjav\u00edk.<\/p> Radio 3, 15 Dec, all day<\/strong><\/p> Live from Snape Maltings, the BBC Singers<\/a><\/strong> and Concert Orchestra<\/a><\/strong> take centre stage in a special edition of the programme, with arrangements of time-honoured singalong classics including Adam\u2019s O Holy Night<\/a><\/strong><\/em> and Irving Berlin\u2019s White Christmas<\/em>, plus instrumental treats from Prokofiev<\/a><\/strong>, Coleridge-Taylor<\/a><\/strong> and Leroy Anderson\u2019s Sleigh Ride<\/a><\/strong><\/em>.<\/p> Radio 3, 20 Dec, 7.30pm<\/strong><\/p> Conductor Marin Alsop<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s reimagining of Handel<\/a><\/strong>\u2019s perennial choral favourite has been an annual fixture in the US since its premiere in 1993, injecting the famous aria<\/a><\/strong>s and choruses with a dose of jazz<\/a><\/strong>, gospel<\/a><\/strong> and R&B. In this energetic European premiere, recorded at the Royal Albert Hall<\/a><\/strong>, Alsop conducts BBC ensembles and the London Adventist Chorale \u2013 with solos from South African tenor Zwakele Tshabalala and British soul\u00a0singer\u00a0Vanessa\u00a0Haynes.<\/p> BBC Four<\/a>, date and time TBC<\/strong><\/p> Donald Macleod heads to the cobbled streets and Christmas markets of Riga to discover the richness of Latvia\u2019s thriving choral tradition. Along the way, he meets some of today\u2019s top composers \u2013 including Er\u012bks E\u0161envalds \u2013 who have captured the hearts of audiences around the world with their often mysterious and always\u00a0enthralling\u00a0soundworlds.<\/p> Radio 3, 23-27 Dec, 4pm<\/strong><\/p> The nation\u2019s choirmaster and musical motivator Gareth Malone<\/a><\/strong> takes a guest spot in the drivetime slot, joined live by special guests to curate a playlist full of comfort and joy.<\/p> Radio 3, 23 & 24 Dec, 5pm<\/strong><\/p> Whether you need a time out from family chaos, or a little moment to rejuvenate before the main day, set aside an hour to unwind with a sequence of warm and reflective classical music, selected especially for the festive season.<\/p> Radio 3, 24 Dec, 7pm<\/strong><\/p> The annual broadcast from King\u2019s College, Cambridge is an appointment not to be missed \u2013 a feast of words and music featuring choral gems old and new. If you miss it live on Christmas Eve, you can catch the repeat while rustling\u00a0up\u00a0Christmas dinner on the big day itself.<\/p> Radio 4<\/a>, 24 Dec, 3-5pm<\/strong><\/p> Radio 3, 25 Dec, 1-3pm<\/strong><\/p> Music, My Family and Me<\/h3>
Best Christmas TV & Radio… Switching on the Sound of Christmas<\/h3>
A Latin American Christmas<\/h3>
Best Christmas TV & Radio… Christmas Around Europe<\/h3>
Friday Night is Music Night<\/h3>
Best Christmas TV & Radio… Hallelujah: A Gospel Messiah<\/h3>
A Latvian Choral Christmas<\/h3>
Best Christmas TV & Radio… In Tune: Gareth Malone<\/h3>
Mindful Mix<\/h3>
Best Christmas TV & Radio… Nine Lessons and Carols<\/h3>