The BBC has announced a date for the return of live classical music to Radio 3.
Leading musicians including Dame Mitsuko Uchida, Mark Padmore and Iestyn Davies will perform a concert series - the first since lockdown - from Marylebone’s Wigmore Hall, daily from June 1.
The series of 20 concerts will open with a piano recital by Stephen Hough.
The musicians will perform to an empty hall in compliance with the Government’s social distancing guidelines, the BBC said, with a minimal set-up involving a limited production team.
Alan Davey, controller BBC Radio 3 and BBC Classical Music, said: “Live music is in the DNA of Radio 3 and so its loss is felt by all, not just at home but also in the music industry. It is therefore a great joy to restore this service to the nation whilst also ensuring maximum health and safety.
The concerts, each lasting about an hour, will be broadcast live on BBC Radio 3 from 1pm and on BBC Sounds, and will be streamed live on Wigmore Hall’s website.
