The Story of Classical

The Story of Classical

The Story of Classical is your essential nine-part companion guide to classical music. In each of our commentaries, we unlock the mystery and beauty of every musical period—from the Middle Ages to the present day—by chronicling an encounter between vital figures in music history.

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  • Jayde Donovan is many things—an award-winning host, a storyteller, a philanthropist, a mother with a wicked sense of humor. But she’s also positive energy personified, so it makes sense that her radio show would offer just that. Weekday mornings, she shares her colorful take on pop hits throughout the decades, curating a nostalgic and lively radio experience that only she can deliver. Jayde is a three-time Gracie Award winner, a writer, a television host, and an active philanthropist through her nonprofit, Apple a Day, which supports kids in cancer treatment. She founded her organization in memory of a friend she lost to neuroblastoma. Jayde and her team have gifted thousands of smart devices to kids fighting cancer throughout the US. Check out Jayde Donovan every morning on Apple Music Hits, Monday through Friday, 8 am-10 am PT.

  • Germany is HYPED. The Apple Music radio show accompanying the playlist of the same name is the place where Hip-Hop is lived, loved and celebrated. It’s hosted by Aria Nejati, who has called the scene his home since receiving a copy of the first 50 Cent album from his mum aged 9. As one of the most respected hip-hop tastemakers in the country he has amongst others met Ufo361, Nimo and Juju. Every Wednesday HYPED will feature the country’s rap tracks, hand-picked insider tipps, interviews with No. 1 artists of today and tomorrow and show all aspects of German rap. Who’s in and who’s out right now? Listen to Aria, listen to HYPED.

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  • With his finger on the pulse of all things pop culture, Travis Mills is all about the discovery (and rediscovery) of music. Hailing from Riverside, California, Travis got his start playing acoustic guitar at age five and has been writing, recording, and releasing music solo and in bands since he was 14 (in 2020, he launched his latest project, girlfriends, with Goldfinger’s Nick Gross and John Feldmann). He’s a big alt/pop punk and rap fan, noting that “the energy from the punk rock scene [he] grew up in and hip-hop is very similar—it’s this DIY attitude that it takes to grow a rabid fanbase and do things on your own terms.” Mills brings that very same energy to his namesake show on Apple Music 1, describing it as “a place for new artists to come feel legitimized and veteran artists to feel cool again.” His goal? To be your go-to pop culture destination: “If it is happening in the world, it is happening on my show.” Don’t miss The Travis Mills Show every Monday through Thursday on Apple Music 1 at 4 pm LA/7 pm NYC/12 am LDN.

  • Composer and pianist Alexis Ffrench is one of today’s most popular classical musicians. His work taps into the vast musical galaxy—from Bach and Debussy to Hollywood, gospel, and beyond—which makes him the perfect host for Classical Connections Radio, a show that takes listeners along exhilarating and often unexpected pathways through classical music. “I want to present classical in the way I believe it’s meant to be presented—as beautiful music that’s there to be enjoyed and without barriers,” he tells Apple Music. “We’re going to be zipping from here to there, but everything is going to be connected and curated. I see myself as a musical concierge!” Classical Connections Radio features the best new releases, interviews with exciting stars, and a few surprises, too. In his “Sampology” feature, Alexis unlocks the classical roots of a recent chart hit, while we get to hear his incredible improvisational skills in “60 Second Sonata” as he spontaneously crafts a piece of music at the piano, inspired by a listener. And in “Journeys,” he finds the influences in his own work through the composers and artists who have formed his musical DNA over the years. “The powerful thing about music is that it can be like these emotional postcards from various points in your life,” he says, “which I find so beautiful.” If Classical Connections Radio is about gathering different musical strands, it’s also about bringing together a musical community. “Classical music is not about dates or understanding different periods. It’s people, it’s emotions, and it’s love. That’s why it’s so dear to me.” Tune in to Classical Connections Radio with Alexis Ffrench on Apple Music 1 every Saturday at 10 am PT/6 pm UK.

  • Hast du dich jemals gefragt, welche Musik deine Lieblingskünstler:innen beim Kochen, Laufen oder Autofahren hören? In der neuen Sendung „Das hört ...“ verraten sie dir, welche Songs sie zuletzt gehört haben, und stellen außerdem ihre neueste Veröffentlichung vor. Lass dich inspirieren und lerne eine neue Seite deiner Lieblingsstars kennen.

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About

The Story of Classical is your essential nine-part companion guide to classical music. In each of our commentaries, we unlock the mystery and beauty of every musical period—from the Middle Ages to the present day—by chronicling an encounter between vital figures in music history.

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