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Composer of the Week Episodes

  1. Monday 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Symphonist in the makingAlice Mary Smith (1839-1884)

    1/5 Donald Macleod journeys through the early years of Alice Mary Smith.

  2. Tuesday 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Marriage on the horizonAlice Mary Smith (1839-1884)

    2/5 Donald Macleod explores the early years of Smith’s marriage to Frederick Meadows White

  3. Wednesday 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Collaborations and ConcertosAlice Mary Smith (1839-1884)

    3/5 Donald Macleod surveys some of Alice Mary Smith’s compositional collaborations

  4. Next Thursday 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    A Second SymphonyAlice Mary Smith (1839-1884)

    4/5 Donald Macleod traces Smith’s writing of her Second Symphony

  5. Next Friday 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    An Unexpected PassingAlice Mary Smith (1839-1884)

    5/5 Donald Macleod dives into Smith’s final years and explores her last orchestral works

  6. Mon 3 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Leopold - FatherWolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)

    1/1 Five relationships that shaped Mozart.

  7. Tue 4 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Nannerl - Sister

    Five relationships that shaped Mozart.

  8. Wed 5 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Haydn - Mentor

    Who made Mozart? Kate Molleson on five relationships that shaped the man and his music

  9. Thu 6 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Salieri - Rival

    Five relationships that shaped Mozart. With Kate Molleson.

  10. Fri 7 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Schikaneder and the Freemasons

    Kate Molleson looks at five relationships that made Mozart. Today, the Freemasons.

  11. Mon 10 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Noble BeginningsHélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836)

    1/5 Donald Macleod follows Montgeroult as she uses music to navigate her aristocratic society. (R)

  12. Tue 11 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    The Revolution RumblesHélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836)

    2/5 Donald Macleod hears how France's Reign of Terror turned Montgeroult's life upside-down. (R)

  13. Wed 12 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Get Out of Jail CardHélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836)

    3/5 Donald Macleod recounts how Hélène de Montgeroult’s piano playing saved her life.

  14. Thu 13 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Behind Closed DoorsHélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836)

    4/5 Donald Macleod explores the twists and turns of Montgeroult’s private life. (R)

  15. Fri 14 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    UnsilencedHélène de Montgeroult (1764-1836)

    5/5 Donald Macleod and Clare Hammond discuss Montgeroult’s powerful musical legacy.

  16. Mon 17 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Sehnsucht and WanderlustFelix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

    1/5 A young Mendelssohn discovers the joys of travel. With Kate Molleson.

  17. Tue 18 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    London CallingFelix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

    2/5 Mendelssohn takes London by storm. With Kate Molleson.

  18. Wed 19 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    Pastures Green (and Grey)Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

    3/5 Kate Molleson follows Mendelssohn through Scottish Highlands and Welsh rainstorms.

  19. Thu 20 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    An Italian WinterFelix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

    4/5 Mendelssohn finds inspiration under Italian skies. With Kate Molleson.

  20. Fri 21 Aug 2026 16:00
    BBC Radio 3

    No Place Like HomeFelix Mendelssohn (1809-1847)

    5/5 Mendelssohn returns home, but not to settle. With Kate Molleson.