Somewhat in the manner of London buses, there are several programmes scheduled soon on BBC TV that will be of interest to fans of opera and classical music.
Starting tonight on BBC2 with Purcell: The Londoner and continuing in subsequent weeks with Handel: The Conquering Hero, and then Haydn and Mendelssohn (ie getting more tenuous on the 'British' as we go along!). It's just an excuse to wallow in anniversaries of years ending in 9, of course. I could be churlish but I can assure you I shall be setting my Sky+
This coming Friday - note, a week earlier than previously advertised - is Purcell's Dido and Aeneas from ROH, starring Sarah Connolly, with some other notable performances.
I guess the Acis and Galatea part of the double bill will be shown the week after. But I'm sure we'll get more info nearer the time.
The Sky+ will be set.
Also potentially of interest is Bill Bailey's Remarkable Guide to the Orchestra , also tonight on BBC2.
Finally, in probably the nearest that ITV will get to 'culture' (The South Bank Show is set to be abolished) - The 2009 Classical Brit Awards at the Royal Albert Hall will be broadcast on Tuesday 19th May, at 10.35pm on ITV1. I imagine my Sky+ may be set. I wouldn't be surprised if selected highlights end up on Rapidshare and/or YouTube.
