Along with the live concerts is the launch of Inside the Score, a new bi-weekly programme, starting Monday, 1 June, hosted by Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra's CEO and Artistic Director Adriaan Fuchs.
The renewed collaboration marks a significant strengthening of ties between the two organisations, reflecting a shared commitment to growing audiences for classical music, expanding community access to the arts, and celebrating orchestral music across South Africa.
"Back on air, live. How long we've waited to hear those words," says Adriaan Fuchs. "At its heart, an orchestra exists to move people, to inspire, and to bring communities together — and now, through our partnership with Fine Music Radio, we can do exactly that far beyond the walls of the concert hall. Nothing will ever replace the electricity of a live performance, but these broadcasts mean that someone in Cape Town, in the Karoo, in Johannesburg, or anywhere else in the world, can share in that same musical moment with us."
"We try to make the orchestra accessible, and this is a wonderful way to bring the orchestra to people who otherwise couldn't attend. Our heartfelt thanks to Vasili Vass and his team at Fine Music Radio for embracing this vision and for helping bring live symphonic music back onto South Africa's airwaves," adds Fuchs.
Vasili Vass, Station Manager of Fine Music Radio, says the partnership reflects the station's longstanding commitment to the orchestra, classical music and arts development.
"Part of Fine Music Radio's mandate is not only to promote classical music, but also to nurture new talent and create greater access to this extraordinary art form. There is no better way to do this than through a strong and growing relationship with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra.
I am also very pleased that Rodney Trudgeon will present the live broadcasts from the Cape Town City Hall. It is particularly fitting that Rodney will be part of this project as he celebrates his 50th year in broadcasting — a remarkable milestone and a testament to his extraordinary contribution to classical music broadcasting in South Africa."
Vass also welcomed Fuchs back to the FMR airwaves after a ten-year absence. Coinciding with the return of the live broadcasts is the launch of Inside the Score, a new bi-weekly programme hosted by Adriaan Fuchs. "It has been a decade since Adriaan has been on air and it is wonderful to welcome him back to team FMR," says Vass. "I look forward to working closely with him and the CPO as we continue strengthening the relationship between our organisations for the benefit of classical music and the wider community."
Inside the Score, starting Monday, 1 June at 12:00, will take listeners beyond the notes and into the stories behind some of the greatest works in the orchestral repertoire. Through musical excerpts, historical insight and archival recordings, each episode offers a fascinating and engaging exploration of the music featured in the CPO's current and upcoming concert seasons.
Further details on the broadcast schedule for the CPO winter season concerts will be announced on Fine Music Radio and the CPO's platforms in the coming weeks.
For more information, visit www.fmr.co.za. You can also follow FMR on Facebook, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of contributor