BBC Radio 3 Feed

Essential Classics live at London's Southbank Centre: Week 1

2014-03-21T11:08:04+00:00

Radio 3 at London's Southbank Centre

This week Essential Classics, and most of Radio 3, has upped sticks from W1 and decamped to SE1 on London's Southbank. It's all part of Radio 3's two-week residency to help celebrate the refurbishment of the organ at the Royal Festival Hall. The BBC's technical wizards have performed minor miracles in building a complete transmission studio within the confines of a specially prepared glass box in the cafe of the RFH. And if this sounds a little like some kind of modern art installation, I can tell you that from the inside it does indeed feel a bit that way. Being a stone's throw from the Tate Modern (sorry, Tate Modern), I'm a little concerned that Damian Hirst might suddenly turn up with a few gallons of formaldehyde.

Rob chats with some Radio 3 listeners

In fact it's been a real pleasure to be broadcasting from such a key London location, and whilst the studios at Broadcasting House are quite comfortable, I think it's fair to say they can't quite compete with the views we've been enjoying across the River Thames every morning. It's also been fantastic to be able to mingle freely with everyone who has popped along to see what it's really like behind the scenes at Radio 3. You might be surprised to find that Rob doesn't actually wear black tie when behind the microphone. Or that he enjoys conducting along to the music. If you'd like to see what we get up to for yourselves, and to meet Rob or Sarah, then please come along and say hello if you are in the area. We'd be very pleased to meet you.

We've also taken plenty of snaps this week that you might enjoy having a look at. We've posted a gallery that you can find here.

Radio 3 at Southbank Centre

LJF lowdown

2012-11-19T00:39:35+00:00

Shabaka Hutchings at the London Jazz Festival Photo: Emile Holba/BBC

The London Jazz Festival in association with Radio 3 has truly kicked off in style!

With an energetic opening Jazz Voice concert live from the Barbican the audience both at home and in the hall were treated to an eclectic mix of singers from Juliet Roberts, Imelda May and Gwyneth Herbert to our very own Claire Martin and surprise appearance from Boy George, plus many more conducted by Guy Barker. The atmosphere was bubbling with excitement and by the end everyone was one their feet and singing along to an Aretha Franklin medley.

Following hot on the heels of the opening concert came the official Radio 3 launch from Ronnie Scott's with Jez Nelson Introducing some of the cream of the festival including Terence Blanchard, GoGo Penguin Ambrose Akinmusire surrounded by a lively crowd of jazz fans live on Jazz on 3.

Over the last few days Radio 3 has been capturing many of the concerts throughout the festival including French double bassist Henri Texier, legendary singers Kurt Elling and Sheila Jordon, Portuguese Fado singer Carminho and the Matthew Tripp Trio with their contemporary jazz sounds from New York City. On Tuesday we heard a special performance from the BBC Concert Orchestra including the world premiere of Radio 3's New Generation Jazz Artist Shabaka Hutchings's (pictured) Babylon with the clarinettist joining them live on stage. This was a unique insight in the creative mind of a rising jazz star depicting the original metropolitan city. These concerts, alongside many more, are all to be broadcasts across our jazz programming over the next few months. Take look at the broadcast schedule so you don't miss them. All broadcasts will be available for 7 days after the programme on BBC Radio 3 iPlayer or on the Radio 3 homepage.

Let us know how you are enjoying the Festival and the programmes by Tweeting @BBCR3 and use the hash tag #LJF12

Terence Blanchard at the LJF. Photo: David Redfern