Schedule
Early
00:30
Through the Night—Bells from Estonia
The Estonian National Symphony Orchestra performs Rachmaninov's The Bells.
- Back to top
Morning
06:30
Breakfast—19/05/2026
Radio 3's breakfast show, waking the UK up with the finest classical music.
09:30
Essential Classics—Great classical music for your morning
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
- Back to top
Afternoon
13:00
Classical Live—The Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra perform Prokofiev's 'Romeo and Juliet'
Live performance and specially made concert recordings from home and abroad.
16:00
Composer of the Week—Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina (c.1525-1594), What a Mass
2/5Palestrina composes a major piece that will mark a turning point in music history.(R)
17:00
In Tune—Wind down from work with classical music
Live music and interviews from the world's finest classical musicians.
- Back to top
Evening
19:00
Classical Mixtape—19/05/2026
Take time out with a 30-minute soundscape of classical favourites.
19:30
Radio 3 in Concert—St John's College Cambridge Organ Festival
The Choir of St John’s College, Cambridge, with music by Vaughan Williams and Britten.
21:45
The Essay—Full Moon on Progress St, Big Mama Thornton’s Ball and Chain
Dr Rommi Smith examines a turning-point moment in the life of five Black female musicians.(R)
22:00
Night Tracks—Immersive music for moonlight
Sara Mohr-Pietsch with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
23:30
'Round Midnight—19/05/2026
Saxophonist Soweto Kinch picks jazz from all eras, with a focus on new British artists.
- Back to top
Late
00:30
Through the Night—Vivaldi from Romania
From the Brașov Early Music Festival, the SEMPRE Early Music Ensemble performs Vivaldi.
