Your guide to people on screen and on-air at the BBC Proms 2025
Dream job?
You’re a classical music devotee. Your heart stirs at the sight of the Royal Albert Hall. All manner of happy memories of summers gone by collide when you imagine the return of the BBC Proms. Then you switch on your TV or radio and hear or see something that momentarily unsettles you. Who is that? Why are they saying that? How do I make them stop?
The Proms defined by its supposed egalitarian aspirations. Founders Henry Wood and Thomas Newman saw access to art as something which should be available to all. That same spirit is present today (though perhaps not quite so obvious). Thus, the Proms audience is varied and wide (even if you’re one of those people who pontificates that its not).
The BBC as a publically-funded broadcaster (not a state broadcaster by the way, that’s something entirely different) has a responsibility to make its programming (and therefore its content) appeal to the demographic that funds the Licence Fee. It has a responsibility to represent all of the audience (even though that’s an impossibility) and that means paying close attention to matters of presentation.
If the presentation sometimes jars for a classical music devotee, then that’s largely because the presentation is probably not carried out with you in mind. That’s the spirit of the BBC Proms in action, that’s also the very thing that creates a target of nearly all BBC Proms presenters.
Here’s a rundown for those who are new to classical music presenters both on TV and radio.
Petroc Trelawny
Started out in broadcasting on British Forces Broadcasting Service, later a presenter on the fledgling Classic FM. Knowledgable, measured, unfussy, resists hyperbole. An all round good egg. Heralded as a much-needed and much-appreciated voice of breakfast during the dark days of lockdown. Radio 3 and the Proms without Trelawny would be a dull affair. He’s also a brilliant writer whose book on his family ties in Cornwall is a must read.
Penny Gore
One of the old guard Radio 3 presenters, when The Gore introduces a concert you know you’re in safe hands. Warmth, enthusiasm and a clear sense of when to get out of the way. If Thoroughly Good were to confess to personal favourites, Penny Gore would be very high up (if not actually top) the list. Highly-prized. Don’t let anyone let her go.
Katie Derham
One half of the presenting duo for Radio 3’s drivetime show In Tune, The Derham has been with Radio 3 since around 2010. Dedicatee of fine fashion, and admirer of a well-planted flower bed (her videos of her own garden are something behold), Katie brings an air of sophistication to proceedings, and on ocassion a sense of mischief efficiently puncturing any deference before it takes hold. She’s also been known to dance, loves a good waltz, and got Quite Far in the BBC’s Strictly a few years back. Another all round good egg.
Georgia Mann
Georgia presents Radio 3’s Essential Classics (weekday mornings). Hers is the kind of voice you’d want to hear if you’re needing someone to nurse you with a bad cold or help bring order to chaos. Resolute advocate for the genre, with an uncanny knack for communicating a sense of wonder or mirth in response to even the most banal of subjects. Mann started out as a broadcast journalist with BBC Three Counties Radio (back when the BBC’s local radio was a vibrant and vital thing), later popping up on Radio 4’s Front Row, and producing on Radio 3.
Linton Stephens
Bassoonist Linton Stephens is a relatively recent addition to the Radio 3 stable of presenters. The bassoonist has appeared with Multi Storey Orchestra and Aurora Orchestra. He pops up on Classical Live in the afternoon on Radio 3. He took on the role of roving reporter backstage at the Royal Albert Hall for the First Night. Effortlessly enthusiastic, his keen sartorial eye enlivens his Instagram feed.
Ian Skelly
Playful, knowledgable, and pleasingly old school, broadcaster, filmmaker, and photographer Ian Skelly is the complete package, regularly competing with The Trelawny for the crown of the finest of Radio 3’s presenter roster. Much loved, much admired, and highly prized. The day the BBC fails to renew his contract will be a dark one.
Dr Hannah French
BBC Radio 3’s go-to expert on early and baroque music, Dr Hannah French is a bit of a success for the network. To quote Thoroughly Good (quoted on the good Doctor’s own website): “Hannah brings personality to the job but leaves ego behind. She delivers a punchy script with verve, knowledge and objectivity.”
For the Avoidance of Doubt
Thoroughly Good is an independent website making the case for classical music — part commentary, part curiosity cabinet.
Classical music’s best friend, if it needed or wanted one.
Help Keep The Lights On
Support Thoroughly Good with a one-off contribution, or a modest recurring subscription.
It won’t change the world, but it might cover lunch. Maybe even a bill or two.