“Greetings music lovers. This is Scala Radio, Where just occasionally, and where appropriate, we can turn it up to 11”

Today marks the biggest launch in UK classical music radio in nearly thirty years as Scala Radio set listeners on a contemporary, classical musical journey as broadcasting began at 10am.

Listeners were welcomed on air with a rousing three-minute audio track that sampled key historical moments from around the world, followed by the familiar voice of Simon Mayo who, quoting Alan “Fluff” Freeman, said: “Greetings music lovers. Hey now look, this is Scala Radio, where just occasionally, and where appropriate, we can turn it up to 11”.

Promising classical music for modern life, Mayo chose a fresh-sounding trio of tracks to kick-start Scala Radio, his being the first show to be broadcast on the station. Prelude to Act 1 from the opera Carmen was followed by Dvorak’s Slavonic Dance and a classical rendition of Daft Punk’s Get Lucky played by the Vitamin String Quartet. Simon also paid tribute to Keith Flint’s passing by playing 2Cello’s Voodoo People. His show continued to play until 1pm with an eclectic mix of classic and contemporary music, listener requests and favourite confessions with a classical twist.

Later today listeners will be hearing from the likes of Sam Hughes and Mark Forrest while Hannah Cox will be one of the presenters entertaining music lovers this evening.

Bringing together familiar masters along with fresh and exciting new classical pieces, Scala Radio will be presented with an informal ‘come as you are’ attitude. The station will feature special guests, intriguing mini-series and shows about classical music in popular gaming and mindfulness. Scala Radio aims to offer classical music for modern life, the station anticipates explosive growth in the genre and an ever growing cross-over of the genre into the mainstream – the new station will break the mould of classical music radio in the UK.

The classical radio station is available to listen live on DAB Digital Radio online, via mobile apps and will also be available on smart speakers.

Further information on how to listen can be found at scalaradio.co.uk

ENDS

For more information:

Cat Martin – Communications Director, Bauer Media – cat.martin@bauermedia.co.uk – 07932 746 363

Sian Collins – Senior Commercial Communications Executive, Bauer Media – sian.collins@bauermedia.co.uk – 07718 124 791

About Scala Radio:

Scala Radio is a brand-new entertainment radio station that breaks the mould of classical music in the UK. Presenters include Simon Mayo, Angellica Bell, Chris Rogers and musical innovator Goldie. The station plays familiar masters from Mozart and Holst to surprising new works from living composers Karl Jenkins, Rebecca Dale, Thom Yorke (Radiohead), film scores and musicals plus music performed by bright young artists like Sheku Kanneh-Mason. Scala Radio is for those that love classical music and lead a modern life.

About Bauer Media UK:

Bauer Media UK reaches over 25 million UK consumers through a portfolio of world-class, multi-platform media and entertainment brands including heat, KISS, Grazia, Empire, Magic, Absolute Radio and the Hits Radio Network. These brands offer commercial partners access to highly engaged audiences, with creative solutions underpinned by insight and instinct. Bauer Media UK is part of the Bauer Media Group, one of the world’s largest privately-owned media businesses with media assets all over the globe.