Radio 3’s The Choir has announced that six high-profile names from the choral community will be fronting the programme from 3 February.
Conductor Harry Christophers, composer Eric Whitacre and singing coach Mary King are among the musicians who will be presenting the show following the departure of The Choir’s usual presenter, Aled Jones, who is leaving Radio 3 after seven years with the station.
Paul Mealor – whose music was heard at Prince William and Katherine Middleton’s wedding – will present a programme on 10 February focusing on writing for special occasions. Harry Christophers will be exploring sacred choral music and Mary King will look at the links between folk and choral music.
‘I am delighted that Radio 3 is welcoming these six special figures in the choral world to The Choir,’ says Radio 3 controller Roger Wright. ‘The programme’s unique place in choral music broadcasting will be enhanced by their authoritative and enthusiastic presentation.’
Other programmes will be presented by founder of music charities Suzi Digby, composer and conductor Ken Burton and Radio 3 presenter Sara Mohr-Pietsch.
The Choir is broadcast every Sunday on Radio 3 at 5pm. Visit the Radio 3 website for more details.