The BBC has announced changes to its classical programming across both radio and television. BBC Radio 3's new Controller Sam Jackson has revealed a revised schedule with new presenters including Soweto Kinch, Nicola Benedetti, Jools Holland and Clive Myrie while the television arm of classical BBC is set present new programmes and films focusing on classical music, as well as broadcasting the final of BBC Young Musician on BBC 2 for the first time since 2012.

BBC Radio 3’s new schedule, announced today, will see regular shows including Breakfast, Essential Classics and Private Passions extended, with broadcasters Tom Service and Sara Mohr-Pietsch from Music Matters hosting new programmes. The changes sees a shift away from speech programming which are set, largely, to move to BBC Radio 4, with the exception of The Essay, Drama on 3 and the Sunday Feature.

Elsewhere in the new schedule, Composer of the Week moves to an afternoon slot, while Breakfast and Essential Classics are extended in duration (as is Private Passions on Sunday mornings), and move onto Live on 3, which replaces the lunchtime and afternoon concert slots.

The Music Matters programme, currently broadcast weekly and focusing on issues within the classical music world, will reformat, presenting content in longer-running series, rather than single programmes. Violinist and Director of Edinburgh International Festival Nicola Benedetti will make her Radio 3 presenting debut with a series for Music Matters focusing on the history and impact of the Edinburgh International Festival. Journalist Richard Morrison will explore the UK’s classical music sector and music education as it undergoes funding cuts. Clemency Burton-Hill will host a series on the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra, meeting Daniel Barenboim and BBC Clive Myrie will meet fellow journalists to discuss how classical music has sustained them while reporting on the frontline of breaking news.

Jools Holland will present a new Saturday lunchtime programme, Earlier…with Jools Holland with Radio 3 also relaunching its Friday Night is Music Night show with the BBC Concert Orchestra, presenting 'lighter' music, including well-known classical hits from film and TV.

BBC Radio 3 and Proms controller Sam Jackson said of the changes: ‘Today, we cement our commitment to live music, and take the opportunity to tell powerful stories through the magical medium of radio. From Clemency Burton-Hill’s major series on the West Eastern Divan Orchestra, to Soweto Kinch’s nightly jazz programme, Radio 3 is offering a diverse range of programmes unlike anything available elsewhere...’

Suzy Klein, Head of BBC Arts and Classical Music TV added: '...A record-breaking year for the Proms on television and iPlayer last year showed just how much of an appetite there is from TV audiences for classical music programmes which inspire, delight and provoke... I can’t wait to bring this exciting range of music programmes to BBC audiences.'

The BBC’s television offering will include new series Mozart: Rise of a Genius exploring the life and work of the composer on the 40th anniversary of the release of the film Amadeus. Maria Callas will also be the focus of a new film, while Britten’s Curlew River, created in partnership with the 75^th Aldeburgh Festival, will celebrate the 60^th anniversary of its first performance.