From tonight RTE's classical music station, FM3 Classical Radio, expands its coverage to 12 1/2 hours of daily broadcasting. The extended music service, running from just after midnight until 6 a.m., is called Euroclassic Notturno. It comes to RTE in a European Broadcasting Union satellite link-up.
The new service brings together performances recorded across Europe by EBU member-stations and is co-ordinated by the BBC in London. The satellite link-up will be delivering only the music. Speech announcements will be filled in by presenters working in the various EBU countries which are availing of the new service.
In addition to providing more music for RTE listeners, Euroclassic Notturno will bring a wider audience to recordings of RTE's two orchestras, string quartet and choirs, as well as concerts recorded at festivals in Ireland.
Mr Seamus Crimmins, commissioning editor at RTE FM3 Classical Radio, said participation "offers us over 2,000 hours of music annually. It will enhance FM3 service, give wide exposure to our national musical output, and secure a sustained closeness with our European Broadcasting Union partners."
