This digital experience, launched with the help of Sheku Kanneh-Mason, aims to provide a new way to discover classical music

Hannah, Sheku and Isata

From left to right: Hannah Peel, Sheku Kanneh-Mason and Isata Kanneh-Mason

Radio 3 and BBC Archive are has launched Experience Classical - a digital experience that aims to provide  a new way to discover classical music through audio performances, programmes and podcasts.

Launched with the help of cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, his sister and pianist Isata, and Radio 3 broadcaster and composer Hannah Peel, the initiative consists of 600 audio recordings, divided across eight categories to help new listeners explore, from Composers and Instruments to Discovery, Mood and Cutting Edge. In addition, it includes over 400 radio programmes and podcasts - from Composer Of The Week to The Listening Service - to give deeper context and help listeners get more out of the music. All the music, programmes and podcasts will play in BBC Sounds.

BBC Young Composer has also created a curated collection of BBC commissions written by alumni of the BBC Young Composer competition for Experience Classical.

Watch: Twinkle twinkle featuring London Muisc masters students and cellist Sheku Kanneh Mason

Watch: Sheku Kanneh-Mason’s parents on raising confident black classical musicians

Watch: Sheku Kanneh-Mason on his signature dance move

Additionally, in the coming weeks Experience Classical will introduce a new 3D sound experience:  binaural recordings of BBC Philharmonic concerts at the Bridgewater Hall and at the BBC Proms. Binaural sound gives headphone listeners a realistic impression of 3D space, with sounds coming from all around the listener, including above and below, giving a greater feeling of immersion. 

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