BBC Radio 3 Schedule
Here you can find the BBC Radio 3 schedule for the week ahead, along with important details like presenter names and programme teasers. Just above the schedule, you can use the radio finder to switch to other stations, or use the date option to change the starting day of your search. If you spot any mistakes in our listings, such as a different programme playing on air or a missing show, please help us by getting in touch via the Contact page, and we will fix it as soon as possible. If you would like to view schedules for multiple radio stations at the same time, please visit our main Schedule page.
00:30 - Through the Night
Rachel Podger at London's Wigmore Hall
Violin sonatas by Biber and Froberger.
Violin sonatas by Biber and Froberger.
06:30 - Radio 3 Breakfast
Wake up with classical music
Join Mark Forrest every Sunday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Join Mark Forrest every Sunday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
09:00 - Sunday Morning
Three hours of classical sparkle
Sarah Walker chooses uplifting music to complement your morning.
Sarah Walker chooses uplifting music to complement your morning.
12:00 - Private Passions
Carlos Acosta, dancer
Michael Berkeley's guest is the Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta.
Michael Berkeley's guest is the Director of Birmingham Royal Ballet, Carlos Acosta.
13:30 - Music Map
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Petite Suite
Sara Mohr-Pietsch maps the musical landscape of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's delightful work.
Sara Mohr-Pietsch maps the musical landscape of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's delightful work.
15:00 - Music Matters
How to Listen, with Sakari Oramo
3/3 Conductor Sakari Oramo opens a window into the art - and the joy - of attentive listening.
3/3 Conductor Sakari Oramo opens a window into the art - and the joy - of attentive listening.
16:00 - Jazz Record Requests
A celebration of jazz piano
Alyn Shipton presents jazz records of all styles as requested by you.
Alyn Shipton presents jazz records of all styles as requested by you.
17:00 - The Early Music Show
Senesino - Handel's castrato
Hannah French traces the life of the operatic superstar Senesino.
Hannah French traces the life of the operatic superstar Senesino.
18:00 - Choral Evensong
The Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead, London
Live from the Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead, London. (R)
Live from the Parish Church of St John-at-Hampstead, London. (R)
19:00 - Sunday Feature
Whitman and Vaughan Williams
Laura Barton explores the connection between Ralph Vaughan Williams and Walt Whitman.
Laura Barton explores the connection between Ralph Vaughan Williams and Walt Whitman.
19:45 - Words and Music
Lazy Days
An evocation of summer afternoons by the river, picnics, passing time and lethargy.
An evocation of summer afternoons by the river, picnics, passing time and lethargy.
21:00 - Sunday Selection
4. Róisín Ní Dhúill
Viola player Róisín Ní Dhúill chooses a selection of music for Sunday evening.
Viola player Róisín Ní Dhúill chooses a selection of music for Sunday evening.
Music for the still of night
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
23:30 - Unclassified
Wordplay
Elizabeth Alker with brand new music from artists and composers defying genre conventions.
Elizabeth Alker with brand new music from artists and composers defying genre conventions.
00:30 - Through the Night
Louise Farrenc, Maria Herz and Ina Boyle
Music from the her:voice Festival focusing on three extraordinary women composers.
Music from the her:voice Festival focusing on three extraordinary women composers.
06:30 - Radio 3 Breakfast
Start your day with classical music
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
09:30 - Essential Classics
A feast of great music
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
13:00 - Classical Live
The Gesualdo Six live at Wigmore Hall
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
16:00 - Composer of the Week
Samuel Barber (1910-1981), Adagio for Strings
1/5 Donald Macleod journeys into Samuel Barber’s early career. (R)
1/5 Donald Macleod journeys into Samuel Barber’s early career. (R)
17:00 - In Tune
Sean Shibe & Karim Sulayman in session
Live music from Sean Shibe and Karim Sulayman.
Live music from Sean Shibe and Karim Sulayman.
19:00 - Classical Mixtape
Proms special: classical music and movies
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
19:30 - Radio 3 in Concert
Mahler's 5th Symphony
The London Symphony Orchestra and Antonio Pappano perform Elgar and Mahler.
The London Symphony Orchestra and Antonio Pappano perform Elgar and Mahler.
21:45 - The Essay
The Dawn of Music, A Secret Chord
When did we, as a species, start to sing? Dr Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins.
When did we, as a species, start to sing? Dr Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins.
22:00 - Night Tracks
Immersive music for after-hours
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
23:30 - 'Round Midnight
China Moses’s Flowers
The singer, songwriter and producer is celebrating four jazz artists she admires.
The singer, songwriter and producer is celebrating four jazz artists she admires.
00:30 - Through the Night
Francesco Piemontesi plays piano sonatas by Schubert and Liszt
Swiss-Italian pianist Francesco Piemontesi performs piano sonatas by Schubert and Li ... More >>szt.
Swiss-Italian pianist Francesco Piemontesi performs piano sonatas by Schubert and Li ... More >>szt.
06:30 - Radio 3 Breakfast
Brighten your day with classical music
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
09:30 - Essential Classics
Your perfect classical playlist
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
13:00 - Classical Live
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra perform Mahler's First Symphony
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
16:00 - Composer of the Week
Samuel Barber (1910-1981), Barber joins the Army
2/5 Donald Macleod delves into Barber’s time during and after the Second World War. ... More >> (R)
2/5 Donald Macleod delves into Barber’s time during and after the Second World War. ... More >> (R)
17:00 - In Tune
Julian Joseph in session
Pianist Julian Joseph is live in session.
Pianist Julian Joseph is live in session.
19:00 - Classical Mixtape
Proms special: orchestral favourites
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
19:30 - Radio 3 in Concert
The dazzling cosmos of Scriabin’s The Divine Poem
Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Rachmaninov, Scriabin and Hisaishi
Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in Rachmaninov, Scriabin and Hisaishi
21:45 - The Essay
The Dawn of Music, Whispers of Wood
When did we learn to make music from plants? Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins.
When did we learn to make music from plants? Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins.
22:00 - Night Tracks
Reflective music for the day’s end
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
23:30 - 'Round Midnight
New from Chassol
Soweto shares a new release from the highly explorative French composer and pianist.
Soweto shares a new release from the highly explorative French composer and pianist.
00:30 - Through the Night
Ligeti, Szymanowski and Stravinsky from Oslo
Fedor Rudin joins the Norwegian Radio Orchestra in Szymanowski's 2nd violin concerto.
Fedor Rudin joins the Norwegian Radio Orchestra in Szymanowski's 2nd violin concerto.
06:30 - Radio 3 Breakfast
The best classical music wake-up call
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
09:30 - Essential Classics
Great classical music for your morning
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
13:00 - Classical Live
The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra performs Rachmaninoff's choral symphony, ‘The Bells’
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
15:00 - Choral Evensong
Norwich Cathedral
From Norwich Cathedral.
From Norwich Cathedral.
16:00 - Composer of the Week
Samuel Barber (1910-1981), Barber’s operatic failure
4/5 Donald Macleod journeys through the 1960s, when Barber composes an Egyptian ... More >> opera. (R)
4/5 Donald Macleod journeys through the 1960s, when Barber composes an Egyptian ... More >> opera. (R)
17:00 - In Tune
Live music from Cellophonics
Cello quartet Cellophonics live in session.
Cello quartet Cellophonics live in session.
19:00 - Classical Mixtape
Proms special: 2000 years of music
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
19:30 - Radio 3 in Concert
BBC Singers at Norwich Cathedral
Music by Marsh, Panufnik, Gjeilo, McDowall, MacMillan and Parry.
Music by Marsh, Panufnik, Gjeilo, McDowall, MacMillan and Parry.
21:45 - The Essay
The Dawn of Music, Echoes of Stone and Bone
Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins. Today, she's digging up some hard evidence.
Brenna Hassett unearths our musical origins. Today, she's digging up some hard evidence.
22:00 - Night Tracks
A bewitching night time soundtrack
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
23:30 - 'Round Midnight
Fresh from Gretchan Parlato
Soweto spins a track from the forward-facing American singer from her upcoming album.
Soweto spins a track from the forward-facing American singer from her upcoming album.
00:30 - Through the Night
Brahms from Budapest
The pianist Simon Trpčeski performs Brahms' second piano concerto.
The pianist Simon Trpčeski performs Brahms' second piano concerto.
06:30 - Radio 3 Breakfast
Start the day on the right note with classical music
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Join Tom McKinney every Monday to Friday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
09:30 - Essential Classics
The best classical morning music
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
Georgia Mann plays the best in classical music.
13:00 - Classical Live
Strauss's ‘An Alpine Symphony’ from the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
Live performance and exclusive concerts from home and abroad.
16:00 - Composer of the Week
Samuel Barber (1910-1981), Relationships under strain
5/5 Donald Macleod delves into Samuel Barber’s final years of emotional turmoi ... More >>l. (R)
5/5 Donald Macleod delves into Samuel Barber’s final years of emotional turmoi ... More >>l. (R)
17:00 - In Tune
Peter Donohoe live in session
Legendary pianist Peter Donohoe is live in session.
Legendary pianist Peter Donohoe is live in session.
19:00 - Classical Mixtape
Proms special: love stories and peaceful endings
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
Take time out with 30-minutes of classical favourites, previewing this year's BBC Proms.
19:30 - Radio 3 in Concert
Bernstein's Chichester Psalms
BBC NOW and Tomas Djupsjöbacka celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
BBC NOW and Tomas Djupsjöbacka celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
21:45 - The Essay
The Dawn of Music, Clammers of Clay
How did the invention of clay change our musical instruments? Brenna Hassett digs deeper.
How did the invention of clay change our musical instruments? Brenna Hassett digs deeper.
22:00 - Night Tracks
Sublime sounds for nightfall
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
Hannah Peel with an adventurous, immersive soundtrack for late-night listening.
23:30 - 'Round Midnight
Stratospheric sounds from Ferg’s Imaginary Big Band
Soweto shares a new track from the Leeds-based raucous experimental jazz ensemble.
Soweto shares a new track from the Leeds-based raucous experimental jazz ensemble.
00:30 - Through the Night
Elgar's Cello Concerto from Lithuania
Stanislas Kim performs Elgar's concerto with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra.
Stanislas Kim performs Elgar's concerto with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra.
06:30 - Radio 3's Proms Countdown
Tom McKinney live from the Royal Albert Hall
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
09:30 - Radio 3's Proms Countdown
Georgia Mann live from the Royal Albert Hall
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
13:00 - Radio 3's Proms Countdown
Mark Forrest live from the Royal Albert Hall
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
16:30 - Radio 3's Proms Countdown
Katie Derham live from the Royal Albert Hall
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
Live from the Royal Albert Hall on the day of the First Night of the Proms.
19:00 - BBC Proms
2026, First Night of the Proms 2026
Live at the BBC Proms: Dalia Stasevska and massed BBC forces launch the 2026 season.
Live at the BBC Proms: Dalia Stasevska and massed BBC forces launch the 2026 season.
21:45 - The Essay
The Dawn of Music, The Sound of Skin and Sinew
How did the farming of animals change our music making? Dr Brenna Hassett digs deeper.
How did the farming of animals change our music making? Dr Brenna Hassett digs deeper.
22:00 - Late Junction
Stretched archives and harvests of sound
Verity Sharp presents a spin around the globe of ear-bending music.
Verity Sharp presents a spin around the globe of ear-bending music.
23:30 - 'Round Midnight
Norman&Corrie in concert
Soweto shares performance highlights from the jazz-folk duo recorded live at JPN.
Soweto shares performance highlights from the jazz-folk duo recorded live at JPN.
00:30 - Through the Night
Pianissimo!
Winners of the Géza Anda Competition perform concertos by Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart.
Winners of the Géza Anda Competition perform concertos by Haydn, Beethoven and Mozart.
06:30 - Radio 3 Breakfast
Roll out of bed into classical music
Join Hannah French every Saturday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
Join Hannah French every Saturday for Radio 3's Breakfast show.
09:00 - Saturday Morning
A Proms Special! Nicholas Collon, Prog Rock and Jessie Montgomery
Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack for the wee ... More >>kend!
Tom Service with guests, stories and the perfect classical soundtrack for the wee ... More >>kend!
12:00 - Earlier... with Jools Holland
The pianist and bandleader picks his favourite classical music
Jools is joined by singer Sam Brown, with music by CPE Bach, Copland and Caroline Sh ... More >>aw.
Jools is joined by singer Sam Brown, with music by CPE Bach, Copland and Caroline Sh ... More >>aw.
13:00 - Key Changes: Radio 3's Essential History of Classical Music
1741: Messiah at Sea
1741. On a rough crossing to Dublin, Handel carries the manuscript of a masterpiece.
1741. On a rough crossing to Dublin, Handel carries the manuscript of a masterpiece.
14:00 - Record Review
BBC Proms Composer: Dowland with Kirsten Gibson and Andrew McGregor
Andrew McGregor with new classical releases, and Kirsten Gibson's top Dowland r ... More >>ecordings.
Andrew McGregor with new classical releases, and Kirsten Gibson's top Dowland r ... More >>ecordings.
16:00 - Sound of Cinema
Beautiful Biopics and Blockbuster Scores
Edith Bowman guides you through your weekly mix of standout film scores and soundtracks.
Edith Bowman guides you through your weekly mix of standout film scores and soundtracks.
17:00 - This Classical Life
Jess Gillam with... Pavel Kolesnikov
Jess Gillam swaps favourite music with the pianist Pavel Kolesnikov.
Jess Gillam swaps favourite music with the pianist Pavel Kolesnikov.
18:00 - Music Planet
Gisela João’s Return Journey
Lopa Kothari presents the latest in global roots music, and Gisela João shares two tracks.
Lopa Kothari presents the latest in global roots music, and Gisela João shares two tracks.
19:00 - New Generation Artists
2026 Proms season showcase - Hana Chang
Music by Clara Schumann and from South America played by Radio 3's New Generation Artists.
Music by Clara Schumann and from South America played by Radio 3's New Generation Artists.
19:30 - BBC Proms
2026, Prog Rock: A Fanfare for the Common Man
Live at the BBC Proms: BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Robert Ames with Stuart Maconie
Live at the BBC Proms: BBC Concert Orchestra and conductor Robert Ames with Stuart Maconie
22:30 - New Music Show
50th Birthday Bash
Kate Molleson celebrates the 50th birthday of three composers all born on the same day.
Kate Molleson celebrates the 50th birthday of three composers all born on the same day.