The classical music radio station is to broadcast two programmes with the Prince of Wales on 25 and 26 May

Prince Charles

Photo: Alexi Lubomirski

Classic FM will broadcast two special programmes with The Prince of Wales next week. 

Both two-hour programmes will consist of music chosen by Prince Charles through recordings made by his musical patronages across the UK. These include the Philharmonia Orchestra, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, the Monteverdi and Bach Choirs, the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and Welsh National Opera Orchestra.

Classic FM presenter Alan Titchmarsh will join Prince Charles for the first programme, on Monday 25 May at 8pm. In an interview, the Prince will discuss his love of classical music and all live performance; the huge difference that classical music can make to our quality of life and our wellbeing; the livelihoods of our orchestras and performers, plus the contribution of music and the arts to the UK economy.

The music included within this programme will include Wagner’s Siegfried Idyll; choruses from Bach’s St Matthew Passion and ‘Bridal March of the Birds’ from Hubert Parry’s The Birds of Aristophanes.

The second programme will be presented solely by The Prince of Wales, broadcast on Tuesday 26 May at 8pm. He will give his personal reflections on some of his other favourite pieces of classical music, including both of Chopin’s piano concertos, Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs, and Julius Benedict’s Piano Concerto in E-flat.

Prince Charles will also feature recordings from two of The Duchess of Cornwall’s musical patronages – the National Youth Orchestra and the London Chamber Orchestra.

Phil Noyce, Classic FM’s Managing Editor, said: “His Royal Highness shares our vision of bringing classical music to as wide an audience as possible. We are acutely aware of the challenges the music world is facing at the moment and we are honoured to collaborate with The Prince of Wales – a lifetime supporter and champion of the arts – for these two special programmes on Classic FM. Across four hours, we will hear about, as well as celebrate, his passion for classical music, with a repertoire featuring work from many of his musical patronages and specially chosen by him for our listeners.”

A Royal Appointment will be broadcast on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 May, from 8pm to 10pm, on Classic FM – available across the UK on 100-102 FM, DAB digital radio and TV, at ClassicFM.com and on Global Player.