BBC Radio 3 Unwind launches on BBC Sounds
Drawing on the expertise of its presenters and producers, each of the new programmes across the schedule is carefully curated to provide listeners with the best restorative classical music, with selections spanning the centuries 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.
BBC Radio 3 Unwind’s presenter lineup reflects voices from across the UK and beyond, including 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 reflects emerging artist-composers, as well as showcasing BBC Introducing artists, bringing their music to a wider audience. BBC Radio 3 Unwind 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 Radio 3 Unwind schedule in more detail:
Setting listeners up for the day ahead, 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.The presenter, who also hosts the popular Soundtracking podcast, spotlights new releases alongside a rich array of music from the big screen spanning the last 50 years, showcasing the composers and musicians who have shaped how we experience the moving image.
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. This new programme presents a diverse range of classical music, shaped by Niall’s work in sociology, psychology, and mindfulness.
On Sundays, 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. A champion of new music, AFRODEUTSCHE is a BAFTA-nominated composer, DJ, producer and broadcaster, and uses her show to spotlight the next generation of musicians, as well as established is contemporary British composers such as Max Richter and Anna Meredith.
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.
The new audio branding and idents for the stream have been created by the Peabody Award-winning, multi-platinum selling English songwriter, producer and composer Benbrick, recorded by the BBC Concert Orchestra.