BBC Radio 3 is to celebrate the music of the British Isles throughout June, from Parry’s Jerusalem to music from the Court of Mary Queen of Scots.

Among the highlights of the month-long celebration will be Rob Cowan and Sarah Walker’s 'Essential Classics', which will introduce 20 Great Works every weekday from 9am. In addition 'Composer of the Week' will examine the works of four leading English composers – Vaughan Williams, Parry, Elgar and Lloyd.

Benjamin Britten’s music will take centre stage in his centenary year. Two of his operas will be broadcast live – Peter Grimes from the Aldeburgh Festival (June 7) and Gloriana from the Royal Opera House (June 29) – while the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and Chorus will perform his War Requiem live at St Paul’s Cathedral on June 25. In addition, the BBC Concert Orchestra will present the world premiere of BBC/Aldeburgh commission That Obscure Hurt by Guy Barker on June 12. The work is inspired by Benjamin Britten and the ghost stories of Henry James, and combines the BBC Concert Orchestra and the Guy Barker Jazz Orchestra.

Away from the concert hall, 'Drama on 3' will present a new play by Mark Ravenhall exploring the relationship between Benjamin Brtitten and Imogen Holst as they worked together on Gloriana (June 30), and four British poets will discuss their love of music in 'Private Passions' - Sean O’Brien, Carol Ann Duffy, Paul Muldoon and Gwyneth Lewis.

For further information visit BBC Radio 3.