Bauer Media are launching a new classical music station: Scala Radio. Branded as “classical music for modern life” the station is promising an informal style, mixing traditional and contemporary works.
Presenters include Simon Mayo, who will host the mid-morning show; Mark Kermode, whose programme will focus on film scores; and Angellica Bell, who will lead the weekend line up.
Scala Radio has also gone for some more left-field choices, including DJs Goldie and William Orbit. Goldie will present Goldie’s Classic Life, documenting his own journey with the genre, while Orbit’s William Orbit in The Space will see the DJ present unusual pieces, new composers and classical interpretations of songs from other fields.
“The mix of music, personality and conversation will make it both intriguing and completely unique,” said Bauer Group managing director Steve Parkinson. “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.”
The station also plans to cater for other ways in which audiences use classical – for example, as a background to yoga sessions or as part of a mindfulness programme. Other ideas include a show that explores classical music in video games.
In a press release, Scala cited Mozart, Holst, Karl Jenkins and Rebecca Dale as the kinds of composers listeners could expect to hear. And, in a nod to indie fans, they even name dropped Radiohead’s Thom Yorke.
Scala Radio launches on 4 March across DAB Digital Radio, online and mobile apps.