Ian Skelly to join Suzy Klein on Essential Classics

Ian Skelly is a familiar voice on BBC Radio 3, known for his wit, knowledge and experience in the live radio medium. Listeners will also recognise him from his live concert broadcasts, BBC Proms and the occasional appearance on shows including Breakfast and In Tune.

He rose to popularity when he covered a BBC Proms event on Radio 3 where, near the end of the broadcast, he was forced to ad-lib from the Albert Hall whilst the lights went off around him. Ian’s appointment to Essential Classics will mark his first role as a regular co-anchor on BBC Radio 3.

Ian says of his new role: “It’s incredibly thrilling for me to be working with Suzy, who is one of the best broadcasters in the business, and on the best radio station in the world where we don’t rely on a limited playlist.

"I’ve always been as passionate about classical music as I am about live radio, so this gives me the chance to share that passion with those listeners with whom I’ve already built up a trusted relationship and those who might try tuning in for the first time. If you want to hear the best music in the world and face the day with a smile, I dare you to try me out.”

Meanwhile Rob Cowan is off to pursue other passions. Of his time on BBC Radio 3 he says: “I’ve had a good run but I’ve decided that after 17 years it’s time I focussed on other creative pursuits and have a lie-in more regularly in the mornings!

"My years at BBC Radio 3 have included some of the happiest and most rewarding years of my working life, both in terms of the programmes I have presented and the producers, editors and fellow presenters I have worked with. I will continue to follow the station’s progress with an inquisitive ear and a wealth of fond memories.”

His past roster of programmes has included CD Masters, Rob Cowan, Sunday Morning, Breakfast, Rob’s Gold Standard, The Cowan Collection, Essential Classics and regular contributions to CD (later Record) Review.

Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3, says: “I’m both delighted for Ian and sorry to see Rob go. I’d like personally to thank Rob for his remarkable contribution to BBC Radio 3’s mission to connect audiences with great music and culture. I wish him the very best for the future and am grateful for all he’s done in his time here.

"Ian Skelly is a first class presenter with an impressive track record and expertise in live classical radio. He has warmth and wit and I know our listeners will love hearing him more regularly in his new home, Essential Classics. ”

Notes to Editors
Ian Skelly has been a familiar voice on BBC Radio 3 for the past 20 years. In that time he has presented nearly every programme on the station, covering everything from early music to cutting-edge contemporary sounds. He first established himself as a popular host of Radio 3 Breakfast and of the station’s drive-time show In Tune and has presented countless live concerts from all over the UK, working regularly with the BBC’s orchestras based in Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and London. Each summer he is one of the voices of the BBC Proms on Radio 3.

Ian began his career with the BBC 30 years ago as a reporter in the Midlands. He spent ten years presenting daily news and current affairs shows on various BBC stations before heading for London and turning to join Radio 3 and indulge his great love of music. In that time he also became a published writer, an award-winning travel writer for The Observer, and an independent filmmaker, working in the UK and in Hollywood. He has written and produced documentaries on the arts and music for BBC Radio’s 3, 4 and the BBC World Service and for NBC in America.

AH