| | | | | 2020 has turned out to be a momentous year, perhaps more momentous than any of us could have imagined.
Between natural disasters and the pandemic, the way of life we’ve been used to has turned upside down.
But through it all, we’ve had each other, and we’ve had music. Even through social distancing, and the closures of our live music venues, our passionate musicians found ways to keep the music going, bringing performances right into our home through the powers of the internet.
We’ve managed to connect through our shared love of music by video, phones and social media. And I can’t think of anything more special than being able to sing Deborah Cheetham’s “Christmas With You” together in the Classic Choir.
Over the next few days we celebrate the 250th birthday of Beethoven with our final episode of Beethoven 250 on Saturday at 1pm. After that, we’ve pulled together some beautiful Christmas concerts. On Christmas Eve we play your Christmas requests on Classic Drive, and we’re bringing you a stunning classical soundtrack for your Christmas Day.
I want to say a huge thanks for being part of the Classic family in 2020. I also want to thank you for being there for me this year. Knowing you’re listening, and the messages you send me every day on Classic Breakfast, they’ve helped me get through 2020. Have a very safe and merry Christmas and New Year.
Looking forward to more great company and more great music in 2021 (and hopefully a little less excitement),
Russell Torrance
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 | | | | | | | | 1,500 singers from around Australia and the world join voices in the brand-new carol, Christmas With You, by Deborah Cheetham. Have the tissues ready. | | | | | | |
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 | | | | | | | | We celebrate Beethoven's big birthday with three special episodes of Beethoven 250 on 17–19 December, completing a year of playing every note he ever wrote.
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 | | | | | | | | Watch Beethoven’s great symphonies, piano concertos and more in this stunning collection of live concerts on iview. | | | | | | |
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 | | | | | | | | Ed Ayres pens a letter to Beethoven celebrating the special significance of his music in 2020. | | | | | | |
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 | | | | | | | | Russell Torrance explores the origin stories of some of the best-loved Christmas carols. | | | | | | |
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 | | | | | | | | Make it a Classic Christmas, with this playlist of festive favourites hand-picked by ABC Classic presenters and producers. | | | | | | |
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