R2OK!

Ian Robinson

Simon Mayo's next move has been announced - he's the mid-morning host on a new classical music station from Bauer.

Launching Scala Radio on 4th March, his show will "include celebrity interviews, listener interaction and a classical version of the long-running Confessions feature"

Mark Kermode will be hosting a film score show, and other presenters lined up include Angellica Bell, Chris Rogers, Goldie, William Orbit, Charles Nove, Mark Forrest, Sam Hughes and Jamie Crick.

Be interesting to see how this pans out but Classic FM could definitely do with some competition. Hopefully this new station will realise there's more than 300 pieces of classical music!

Ian Robinson · Posted: Mon Jan 21, 2019 9:12 pm Post subject:

From RadioToday:
https://radiotoday.co.uk/2019/01/bauer-to-launch-classical-station-scala-radio/

Simon Mayo is returning to daily radio with Bauer from 4th March as host of mid mornings on a new classical music station called Scala Radio.

The station will be the first national classical station in nearly 30 years and is set to challenge Classic FM.

RadioToday understands it will broadcast on the SDL national DAB multiplex, replacing Heat Radio.

Bauer says the station will bring together “familiar masters along with fresh and exciting new classical pieces” and will be “presented with an informal ‘come as you are’ attitude,” adding that “the new station will surprise and delight listeners with its accessible tone and unique format inspiring musical discovery, along with interesting conversation and features.”

Simon Mayo will host 10am-1pm with celebrity interviews, listener interaction and a new re-imagined ‘Classical Confessions’ feature.

Other presenters will include former CBBC host Angellica Bell, Mayo’s 5 live partner Mark Kermode, former LBC newsreader Chris Rogers, ex Radio 2 announcer Charles Nove, Planet Rock’s Sam Hughes and ex Classic FM presenters Mark Forrest and Jamie Crick. There will also be weekend slots for music producers Goldie and William Orbit.

Music played on Scala Radio will range from Mozart and Holst to new works from living composers such as Karl Jenkins, Rebecca Dale, Alexis Ffrench and Jonny Greenwood & Radiohead’s Thom Yorke (Radiohead). The station will also feature film scores and support the arts and musical communities. There will also be topical shows covering the influence of classical music in gaming, mindfulness and special guest weekly round ups. The sound of the station has already been created, with bespoke scores recorded by The City of Prague Philharmonic.

Simon Mayo says: “There are hundreds of radio stations playing rock and pop, and only two classical music stations – until now. We’re different because we’re going all out to entertain, laugh with the listeners, and have a good time. Some of it will be familiar, some new and exciting but all timeless, beautiful and all absolutely relevant to today.”

Steve Parkinson, Bauer Group Managing Director, National Radio said: “We are launching new radio brands at great velocity and we believe that Scala is the most exciting new personality-led radio station launch in years. The mix of music, personality and conversation will make it both intriguing and completely unique. We’ve completely re-imagined a format and designed it to appeal to a modern audience. This will be the very best in classical music for today.”

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6814

Will definitely be giving this a whirl...probably on Listen Again though.

becky sharp · Joined: 01 Dec 2008 Posts: 6814

Loved Simon's first show this morning. He is such a natural on the radio. I suppose and hope there will be a listen again facility. Some lovely music played...