Broadcaster, children’s author and Awards for Young Musicians (AYM) Patron Zeb Soanes is joining Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station, to present the flagship evening programme Smooth Classics at Seven.
As well as a hugely successful broadcasting career, Soanes is a committed champion of music education. He became Patron of AYM in 2013 and has expertly compered many of their fundraising concerts, everywhere from the grandest of London livery halls to his back garden during lockdown. He works tirelessly with the charity to support young musicians from low income families on their musical journeys. Soanes said: “‘I am very proud to be a Patron of this ambitious and successful organisation.”
AYM Chief Executive Hester Cockcroft congratulates Soanes on his exciting new appointment: “We’re thrilled that Zeb will be taking the mantle of Classic FM’s much-loved evening programme next month. We are extremely proud of our longstanding relationship with Zeb, who shares our view that musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn’t: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. We are pleased to continue working with him to change this, as we support both young people and the music education sector, alongside his exciting new post at Classic FM. As one of the most reassuring and trusted voices on the radio, he will be an exceptional addition to their team.”
Speaking about his new post at Classic FM, Zeb Soanes said: “‘I am delighted to join Classic FM in its 30th birthday year. Performing with orchestras has become one the great pleasures of my life in recent years and I look forward to sharing their extraordinary talents and music with listeners every evening on Smooth Classics at Seven.”
Soanes is a multi-talented broadcaster and an experienced presenter, working with some of the UK’s leading orchestras, as well as the Royal Opera House and Royal Albert Hall. He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book series, Gaspard the Fox.