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Scala Radio's First Birthday

A year since we turned it up to 11

Author: David MayPublished 4th Mar 2020
Last updated 5th Mar 2020

“Hey now look, this is Scala Radio, where just occasionally, and where appropriate, we can turn it up to 11”

It’s been year since Simon Mayo launched Scala Radio. It hardly seems possible. Time has passed quickly. Since then, we've had it turned up to eleven. Forgive us for a moment as we have a quick look back at our first year.

What Is Scala Radio?

By now you probably know, but Scala Radio is an entertainment radio station that's breaking the mould of classical music in the UK, fronted by presenters Simon Mayo, Angellica Bell, Mark Kermode and Chris Rogers.

We’ve played familiar masters from Mozart and Holst, as well as new works from living composers like Karl Jenkins, Rebecca Dale and Thom Yorke. Mark Kermode has guided us through numerous film scores and musicals. We've been introduced to the world of video games with Luci Holland. And we’ve hosted performances by bright young artists like Alexis Ffrench and Sheku Kanneh-Mason. We’ve covered a lot.

Starting as we mean to go on we counted down to the 10am live launch on March 4th (2019) with a delightful montage looking back at the role classical music has had to play on radio since Christmas Eve 1906, when music was broadcast for the very first time, the piece that was played was Handel's Largo.

In the years to follow, world events continued to be accompanied with classical music, including Edward Elgar, Samuel Barber and Beethoven, we could go on, but instead, seeing as we are a radio station, we'd rather show you.

Who's visited Scala Radio?

"I can, but I would have to kill you" - Hans Zimmer

There have been lots of highs and zero lows. We've had Michael Ball & Alfie Boe discussing the possibility of adding an S Club 7 track to their next tour (we're all still holding our breath for that), Jack Pepper interviewed Sir Simon Rattle, Mark Kermode sat down with Hans Zimmer - and was threatened like a true Bond villain, we may add (which you can watch here).

We haven't even spoken about the performances yet.

The Scala studio is quite accustomed to live performances now, but it was Rick Wakeman (sadly capeless) who started things off with a live request hour. This was then swiftly followed by the likes of Jess Gillam, Amy Dickson, Miloš Karadaglic and our very own Alexis Ffrench.

Plus, how could we not mention Jack teaching Simon to play the piano live on-air.

Then, just as he was our first live request show, for a Christmas special, Rick Wakeman upped the ante and joined Simon Mayo for our very first live show with an audience. There were many laughs, and a few too many antlers, but the energy that Rick (still uncaped) filled the room made the entire show unmissable.

Scala Sessions

Live music is very important here at Scala, so it was only a matter of time before we turned it into a feature. Now, every Wednesday Sam Hughes shares her studio with an incredible artist for a Scala Session.

Already, we have been joined by The King's Singers, Amy Dickson, AVA, The Rock Choir, Gabriele Baldocci, and we have many more great artists lined up.

Sam Hughes' Scala Sessions shine a spotlight on some of the best classical music artists around, and you'll have to excuse us for a moment, but that's exactly what we have been achieving.

We’ve had a blast this past year. Some real highlights. thankfully there's alway some you can listen back to from the past seven days on Listen Again.

From Simon Mayo's entertaining features (not forgetting Nigel Barden, of course), Luci Holland and Mark Kermode's expert knowledge in the world of video games and movies, right down to Charles Nove and Mark Forrest ensuring we are all accompanied by a friendly voice.

Simon Mayo - 10am - 1pm (Mon - Sat)

Join the much-loved and award-winning broadcaster Simon Mayo from Monday to Saturday on his new mid-morning entertainment show. With celebrity interviews from across the music, drama, books and arts world and the return of his re-imagined 'Classical Confessions' feature.

Scala Radio's First Birthday
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Angellica Bell at Breakfast - 7 - 10am - Saturday

There's no better way to kick start your weekend than with Angellica. With features including 'Music Teacher of the Week' and 'Angellica's Music Lesson Diaries'; find out more about her cello lessons as she encourages others of all ages who are learning an instrument.

It would be remiss of us not to look back at the brilliant special shows we've had too, Goldie kicked off the station with 4 part special 'Goldie's Classic Life'. Since then we have been joined by a whole host of special presenters including Sister Bliss, Segun Akinola, Anne Dudley, Charlie Higson, and now David Arnold for his 5 part special looking back at the music of James Bond (starting on Sunday 8th March at 1 pm).