Classic FM Easter Broadcast

Classic FM

On Easter Monday, from 9pm - Midnight, the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu, will present the worldwide exclusive on Classic FM: the first radio play of a new EMI Classics recording of Handel's oratorio Messiah.  The programme, which precedes the 250^th anniversary of the death of George Frideric Handel on 14^th April, will be a special of the composer's music to include this landmark new recording of his famous oratorio 'Messiah'.  Dr John Sentamu will be also sharing the story of Handel's life, his fortunes as a composer, and the extraordinary and enduring success of 'Messiah'.

The new recording has been created to simultaneously mark the 250th anniversary of Handel's death and the 800th anniversary of the University of Cambridge.  On Palm Sunday, 5th April, in the magnificent setting of King's College Chapel, the work will be performed by the Academy of Ancient Music, the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, and soloists Alish Tynan, Alice Coote, Allan Clayton and Matthew Rose.  The performance will be conducted by Stephen Cleobury, Director of Music at King's, and will be recorded for CD release on 20th April (with a digital download available on 14^th April), through EMI Classics.  Listeners to Classic FM will have the opportunity to hear the first ever radio broadcast of what is likely to become a landmark recording of this much-loved work - and on Psalm Sunday, the concert itself will be shown in over 85 cinemas across Europe, before being released on DVD later this year, also available through EMI Classics.

Join the Archbishop John Sentamu for the first time, from 9pm until midnight on Easter Monday, for a celebration of one of classical music's most influential and admired composers.

Darren Henley, Managing Director of Classic FM has said:

"We are delighted and privileged to have the Archbishop of York join us for the Easter programming at Classic FM as he broadcasts this very special recording from one of the classical greats".