UK gets an extra classical station

In competition with desperately please-please-you BBC Radio 3 and snooze-mode Classic FM, Bauer Media are to launch Scala Radio next month, staffed mostly by rock jocks.

Worth a listen, for sure.

Here’s the PR blurb:

Offering classical music for modern life, Scala Radio is set to be the biggest launch in UK classical music radio in nearly thirty years, Scala Radio anticipates explosive growth in the genre and an ever growing cross-over into the mainstream – the new station will break the mould of classical music in the UK.

Bringing together familiar masters along with fresh and exciting new classical pieces, Scala Radio will be presented with an informal ‘come as you are’ attitude. The new station will surprise and delight listeners with its accessible tone and unique format inspiring musical discovery, along with interesting conversation and features.

Leading the presenting line-up is much-loved and award-winning broadcaster Simon Mayo who will host a brand-new mid-morning entertainment show, with celebrity interviews, listener interaction and a new re-imagined ‘Classical Confessions’ feature.

Ensuring the conversation is as absorbing as the music, the new station will feature Angellica Bell leading the weekend, Mark Kermode who will bring alive his love of film scores and Chris Rogers hosting a live Sunday brunch show with guests.

Music innovators Goldie and William Orbit will also launch their own series. ‘Goldie’s Classic Life’ will feature classical music mixes, alongside a narration of his own journey into classical music, explaining how it inspires him to write, perform and paint – as well as introducing listeners to exciting new classical artists. ‘William Orbit in The Space’ will be a curation of well-known artists, unusual pieces and new composers, mixed with classical versions of songs from other genres as well as William’s insight and exploration into classical music. In addition, one of Britain’s youngest commissioned composers – 19-year-old Jack Pepper will bring a new fresh point of view to classical music on the radio. Also on the line-up are presenters, Charles Nove, Mark Forrest, Sam Hughes and Jamie Crick.