Essential Classics live at London's Southbank Centre: Week 1

This week Essential Classics, and most of Radio 3, has upped sticks from W1 and decamped to SE1 on London's Southbank. It's all part of Radio 3's two-week residency to help celebrate the refurbishment of the organ at the Royal Festival Hall. The BBC's technical wizards have performed minor miracles in building a complete transmission studio within the confines of a specially prepared glass box in the cafe of the RFH. And if this sounds a little like some kind of modern art installation, I can tell you that from the inside it does indeed feel a bit that way. Being a stone's throw from the Tate Modern (sorry, Tate Modern), I'm a little concerned that Damian Hirst might suddenly turn up with a few gallons of formaldehyde.

In fact it's been a real pleasure to be broadcasting from such a key London location, and whilst the studios at Broadcasting House are quite comfortable, I think it's fair to say they can't quite compete with the views we've been enjoying across the River Thames every morning. It's also been fantastic to be able to mingle freely with everyone who has popped along to see what it's really like behind the scenes at Radio 3. You might be surprised to find that Rob doesn't actually wear black tie when behind the microphone. Or that he enjoys conducting along to the music. If you'd like to see what we get up to for yourselves, and to meet Rob or Sarah, then please come along and say hello if you are in the area. We'd be very pleased to meet you.

We've also taken plenty of snaps this week that you might enjoy having a look at. We've posted a gallery that you can find here.

Radio 3 at Southbank Centre