Liverpool leads celebrations for 25 years of Classic FM

Classic FM is celebrating its 25th birthday with a special concert at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall – including the first piece it ever broadcast.

Just as Handel’s Zadok the Priest heralded the start of the radio station, it will also open what is a sold-out night at Hope Street.

The RLPO, Classic FM’s orchestra in the North West, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Choir and conductor Michael Seal will be joined by presenter Bill Turnbull at the event on September 7 which is being broadcast live on air.

The programme also includes Walton’s Crown Imperial, Sibelius’ Finlandia, and Bruch’s Violin Concerto No1 played by soloist Callum Smart.

Bill Turnbull

There will also be the world premiere of a new piece by Dani Howard, a 23-year-old British composer.

And all concertgoers will be treated to cake and a glass of fizz at the end of the evening.

Bill Turnbull says: “Philharmonic Hall is a terrific venue and you couldn’t choose a better orchestra for such an occasion than the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic as they were the first in the UK to create a partnership with Classic FM.”

In addition to the concert, Classic FM will broadcast 12 hours of live music from Liverpool as part of its birthday celebrations, including Birthday Requests from 1-5pm and Classic FM Drive from 5-7.30pm on September 7, and the More Music Breakfast with Tim Lihoreau on September 8 from 6-9am.