BBC Radio 3 Unwind, a new 24/7 stream showcasing a broad and eclectic range of calming classical music, has launched today (November 4) on BBC Sounds.
The new schedule, fronted by a line-up of presenters, is designed to enhance wellbeing and help listeners escape the pressures of daily life.
The Radio 3 digital extension will feature a curated selection of “restorative classical music” that covers repertoire from the medieval to the present day.
In addition to a diverse range of music, the stream will also include content promoting focus and relaxation, and contributions from guest experts and academics in fields such as psychology, neuroscience and mental health.
It follows the launch of BBC digital extension Radio 1 Dance, while Radio 1 Anthems will arrive on BBC Sounds on November 8.
BBC Radio 3 Unwind’s presenter line-up includes Edith Bowman, Dr Sian Williams, Niall Breslin and Afrodeutsche (pictured), who join familiar Radio 3 and BBC Sounds names such as Ólafur Arnalds, Sara Mohr-Pietsch, Hannah Peel and Izzy Judd.
The schedule will champion music by living composers, with a particular focus on those from the UK. It reflects emerging artist-composers, as well as showcasing BBC Introducing artists and bringing their music to a wider audience. BBC Radio 3 Unwind will also play 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 scheme.
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
Sam Jackson
Sam Jackson, controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms, said: “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.”
The BBC Radio 3 Unwind schedule includes mid-morning show Classical Unwind with Dr Sian Williams, afternoon show Cinematic Soundtracks with Edith Bowman and Classical Wind Down, hosted by Irish musician, composer, podcaster and mental health advocate Niall Breslin (6-9pm).
On Sundays, 6 Music presenter Afrodeutsche provides a platform for contemporary classical composers and artists with her new show, Soundwaves. As well as championing the next generation of musicians, it will showcase contemporary British composers such as Max Richter and Anna Meredith.
The new overnight show, Sleep Tracks, features a soundscape of classical music, mixed with field recordings and the sounds of nature and the outdoors.
Alongside these new shows, BBC Radio 3 Unwind includes existing 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’ relaxing music mixes, such as the Mindful Mix, Piano Focus and The Sleeping Forecast.
The audio branding and idents for the stream have been created by the Peabody Award-winning English songwriter, producer and composer Benbrick, recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.
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