National networks ABC Classic and ABC Jazz offerings to Australian audiences in 2020 will be led by a year-long celebration of Beethoven, new studio recordings of Indigenous and female composers and the inaugural Jazz 100 countdown.
Ludwig van Beethoven was declared Australia’s favourite composer in this year’s Classic 100, which attracted a record-breaking 127,971 votes. Next year, ABC Classic will celebrate his 250th birthday by broadcasting every note he ever wrote in the new weekly program Beethoven 250, plus the latest live performances of his music and a special Classic 100 countdown that lets listeners choose their favourite work by the famous composer.
Building on a record-high audience in 2019, ABC Classic’s line-up will also feature two new weekend programs hosted by Alice Keath, including one dedicated to baroque music. Other highlights include: new studio recordings of Indigenous composers, female composers and young artists; the return on-air of New Waves as part of a special events program across the year; and extended Weekend Brunch with Greta Bradman.
ABC Jazz lovers are in for a treat with the launch of the nation’s first Jazz 100 listener poll, culminating in a two-day countdown of jazz greats in October.
James Valentine will also join the line-up to present new program Upbeat, alongside his ABC Radio Sydney gig, and says, “I first heard jazz on ABC Radio in the 1970s. I’ve attempted to play jazz my entire life. It’s a beautiful circle to now be presenting music I love on ABC Jazz, …I’m a bit teary.”
Next year’s highlights on ABC Jazz, which turned 10 in 2019, also include: new weekday segments of Mal Stanley’s Jazztrack program and a showcase of live music on Saturdays; new recording scholarships for emerging Australian artists; and a new Artist in Residence program starring leading musicians such as Paul Grabowsky, Sandy Evans and Mike Nock.
Content Manager for ABC Classic and ABC Jazz, Toby Chadd, says, “As we enter a new decade, ABC Classic and ABC Jazz have never been stronger. Every week, we connect millions of Australians to music-making across the country and the world, bringing the joy of music into everyday life.
“In 2020, we will delve into the music of Beethoven in his 250th anniversary year, launch a new program celebrating baroque music and hold our inaugural Jazz 100. We will look to the future, too, with a new series of classical studio recordings and the inaugural ABC Jazz Scholarship, exemplifying the ABC’s role in nurturing emerging artists who will bring music to life for Australians over the coming decades.”
