Sunday, April 17, 2011

Your 24/7 classical radio station : Classic FM


Craving for radio station that plays classical music 24/7?

I found one. It's Classic FM. It is a London-based radio station playing classical music ranging widely from the traditional one to now-classical-crossover music. Began to air since 1992, Classic FM now becomes one of the prestige radio station in UK or I can say a mecca for classical music. The radio also runs a magazine with the same name.

They have many interesting program, like now I'm listening to: The A-Z of Classical Music, a program where musician (basically not from Classical area) plays their favorite Classical piece. For today's edition, Alex James (known as the bassist of the alternative-genre band, The Blur) shares his favorite. 

Since it's airing from UK, while we're in Indonesia, we can stream it live via internet. You just go to classicfm.co.uk Don't forget to sign up for a membership.

Here comes the best. On the website, you can also find the full playlist of songs they've played on the radio, completed with the composer, conductor, ensemble, record label and the catalog of the songs. For me, it is very helpful when I want  to get some info to buy the CD. 

So far the best radio station I've ever listened to...

So, let's hope someday Indonesia has a radio station that dedicates 24/7 for classical music, and of course our traditional songs.

Fyi, actually we have already had one. But not a radio station, but a program called 'EA Classic', Aired in Delta FM in 99,1fm, it's running every sunday night at eight, and hosted by Indonesian composer Ananda Sukaralan & trumpeter -also conductor, Eric Awuy. Hoping the program will expand into a classical radio station someday :)

Follow Classic FM & EAclassic on twitter