Classical Unwind
A flagship three-hour daily show designed to start the day with calm and focus.
Client
BBC Sounds
Format
Daily radio programme
Scope
Three-hour flagship morning show on BBC Radio 3 Unwind
Tandem Role
Format development, production and delivery
The Idea
BBC Sounds launched Radio 3 Unwind as a new stream dedicated to calming classical music and mindful listening. Tandem was commissioned to create its flagship morning programme.
Presented by broadcaster, author and counselling psychologist Dr Sian Williams, Classical Unwind invites listeners to step back from the pace of daily life and enjoy a carefully curated flow of music designed to bring focus, calm and reflection.
Alongside the music, the programme features short insights exploring the connections between music, wellbeing and the mind, including contributions from Professor Catherine Loveday.
Tandem’s Approach
Tandem worked with the BBC team to design the editorial format and workflow for a daily three-hour programme.
From pitching the concept through to launch, the team developed the show’s structure, built a dedicated studio setup and established the production processes required to deliver a high-volume broadcast to consistent editorial and technical standards.
Each programme combines carefully sequenced music with thoughtful spoken features, creating a listening experience that feels both relaxing and engaging.
Why It Works
The programme blends musical discovery with moments of reflection, allowing listeners to settle into the day while exploring new sounds and ideas.
Dr Sian Williams’ warm and thoughtful presentation style helps create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages both long-time classical listeners and newcomers to engage with the music.
Impact
Since launch, Classical Unwind has become a key programme on the Radio 3 Unwind stream, attracting a broad and diverse audience.
Special editions of the programme have been recorded at major events including the Hay Festival and the Radio Academy Festival, as well as outdoor broadcasts for BBC Nature and Wellbeing Week at locations such as Sissinghurst and Scotney Castle.
“Classical Unwind is a new era and much needed… drawing in a new and more inclusive audience of listeners.”
– Julie Cooper, award-winning British composer