What is Radio 3's Sacred River?

On Sunday 26 November, from 9am-3pm, we explore the sacred and spirituality in music with a six-hour long, uninterrupted stream of music.

Touching on the spiritual side of life which so many encounter through music, no matter what their beliefs, Sacred River explores the influence of different faiths and traditions on Western music.

Showcasing music spanning all periods and inspired by different world faiths, this seamless flow of music leads the listener though the major themes of religion and belief, encompassing the whole gamut of human experience of the divine, and taking a broad view of what it is to believe.

We begin with the wonders of creation and the cosmos, and as darkness is dispelled, the theme of light emerges, a significant element of many belief systems. This will lead into music inspired by nature and the world around us. From there the pieces chosen will explore the concept of love from the perspective of the sacred. before turning the focus to ritual, the contemplative and meditative part of the human condition – as well as the joyous and ecstatic.

We finally turn our thoughts to life, death and beyond, with music that explores transience, human mortality and beliefs about the world to come.

As each new section begins, listeners will hear the sacred sounds of a range of world religions. Unlike a typical Sunday, you won’t hear any of our presenters talking on air. Instead Sacred River will flow seamlessly from one piece of music to another.

Throughout the day we'd love to hear from you. We'll be on Radio 3's Twitter and Facebook feeds sharing information and fascinating facts about the music being played.

Here’s how to find Radio 3’s Sacred River:

1. Listen live

FM radio, DAB or online: on FM or digital radio, on your computer or via the BBC Radio iPlayer app; in the kitchen while you're doing the roast; on the windowsill as you potter outside; or in your pocket, on the move.

It has never been easier to fit Radio 3 into your routine – and now we want to see how the Sacred River flows through your day.

Tweet your photos and messages to @BBCRadio3, comment on our Facebook posts, email us at [email protected], or drop us a text on 83111. (Texts will cost 10p to 12p each, depending on the network.)

2. Check the DAB text on your radio, TV, computer or mobile device

If you’re listening on a digital radio or television, you can check the DAB text – the words that scroll across the screen – to follow exactly what music is playing out and when.

If you’re listening online on the Radio 3 website or via the BBC iPlayer Radio app, you’ll see this information come up on your screen as the music plays.

3. Visit the Radio 3 website

On 26 November, follow the Sacred River Live Blog on the Radio 3 website, where we will be posting regular updates about the music and the stories behind it.

4. Follow Radio 3 on social media

Throughout the day, we will be sharing our usual expert commentary and responding to listeners live on social media.

Want to ask a question, make a comment or share your Sacred River photos and stories? Get in touch by tweeting us, leaving a message on our Facebook page, sending an email or texting the studio. We’ll re-post the best messages on the Sacred River live blog.

5. Listen Again for 30 days online

As with all BBC radio programmes, you’ll be able to stream the entire Sacred River online for 30 days after the broadcast has finished – wherever you are in the world.

We’re also making life simpler for mobile users by splitting the programme in to two sections after the broadcast, so it won’t be a hassle to download to your devices.

Radio 3’s Sacred River runs from 9am to 3pm on Sunday 26 November 2017. See you then!