New UK classical music radio station set to launch on 4th March 2019 on national DAB Digital Radio, online, via smart speakers and mobile apps. Scala Radio which is part of the Bauer Media group, will offer ‘classical music for modern life’ and anticipates the explosive growth in the genre and an ever growing cross-over into the mainstream. Its owners who recently launched Greatest Hits Radio say, ‘the new station will break the mould of classical music in the UK.’
Billed as the ‘biggest launch in UK classical music radio in nearly thirty years’, Scala Radio
will combine familiar masters along with fresh and exciting new classical pieces. It will be presented with an informal ‘come as you are’ attitude with an ‘accessible tone and unique format inspiring musical discovery, along with interesting conversation and features’.
Scala Radio presenters
Leading the presenting line-up is the 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. 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 in the line-up are presenters, Charles Nove, Mark Forrest, Sam Hughes and Jamie Crick.
Three major trends driving interest in classical music
- the boom of the experience economy with 70% agreeing that there is nothing quite like hearing a live orchestra.
- Music being much more readily available via digital channels, leading to a new and younger audience discovering classical music through a new set of influencers
- the younger audience enjoying an emotional escape from the noise of modern life with 45% saying they want to know more about the classical genre.
Scala Radio presenter, Simon Mayo commented on the launch, “There are hundreds of radio stations playing rock and pop, and only two classical music stations up until now. We’re different because we’re going all out to entertain, laugh with the listeners, and have a good time. Some of it will be familiar, some new and exciting but all timeless, beautiful and all absolutely relevant to today”.
Scala Radio promises to provide listeners with a more modern classical music experience which combines the huge rise in immersive music events – from movies with a live orchestral soundtrack to re-imagined classical concerts playing Ibiza classics or Prince. Music lovers are enjoying classical music in different ways and the appetite for the genre is growing, with breakthrough classical artists appearing at the Royal Wedding, The Proms, and winning mainstream TV shows like Britain’s Got Talent.
Scala Radio will also play familiar masters from Mozart and Holst to surprising new works from living composers such as Karl Jenkins, Rebecca Dale and Thom Yorke (Radiohead). Both new and classic film scores, and a variety of musical pieces will feature, plus music performed by young artists like Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
No details have been released on what audio quality will be used but further information on how to listen can be found at www.scalaradio.co.uk.
