A broad & eclectic range of calming classical music: BBC Radio 3 Unwind launched on BBC Sounds.

This morning, BBC Radio 3 Unwind launched on BBC Sounds. Billed as a new 24/7 stream showcasing a broad and eclectic range of calming classical music, at first you wonder whether it might be entirely forgettable ‘calming’ background music. 

But we are promised a schedule that champions music by living composers, with a particular focus on those from the UK, with emerging artist-composers, as well as showcasing BBC Introducing artists, bringing their music to a wider audience. We are also promised music of under-represented composers, and as well as live and specially recorded repertoire from the BBC Orchestras and Choirs and Radio 3’s New Generation Artists. 

The stream will also include content promoting focus and relaxation, and contributions from guest experts and academics in fields such as psychology, neuroscience, and mental health. The presenter line-up is, at least, intriguing with Edith Bowman, Dr Sian Williams, Niall Breslin and AFRODEUTSCHE, joining more familiar Radio 3 names such as Ólafur Arnalds, Sara Mohr-Pietsch, Hannah Peel and Izzy Judd. 

Alongside new shows, BBC Radio 3 Unwind includes popular programmes such as Ultimate Calm with Ólafur Arnalds and The Music & Meditation Podcast with NAO and Izzy Judd, as well as simulcasting Radio 3’s Night Tracks with Sara Mohr-Pietsch and Hannah Peel. Its schedule also includes some of BBC Sounds’ most listened to and relaxing music mixes, such as the Mindful Mix, Piano Focus and The Sleeping Forecast.

BBC Radio 3 Unwind is on BBC Sounds.