Classic FM is one of the best commercial classical radio stations in the world. Unfortunately, unless you're in the UK you can't listen to it on your computer because of the insane licensing laws.
Every now and then, the system breaks down and magically you can connect. That's how I know what a wonderful station it is. Great programming, interesting music (which I often buy at exorbitant import prices from Amazon UK and other dealers) – no matter. Then the wall goes up again.
This remains a persistent pet peeve because Classic FM happily sends me its newsletter by email – telling me about all the great things I'm missing. Thanks, guys!
Howard Goodall has been their composer in residence for nearly two years. And yes, he has a new album coming out with the women's ensemble Enchanted Voices on May 10, 2010. Well, thank goodness that Amazon UK has the video about the new album on their website because Classic FM wouldn't even let me listen to the sample tracks.
Go here to enjoy the video and that lovely contemporary style favored by English composers with a tonal frame of reference.
I am a fan of Howard Goodall – I watch a lot of his docus and I have made friends over the Internet WITH HIS FAMILY MEMBERS.
This is too bad: Classic FM was formerly open to everyone.