3 October 2025
Katherine Jenkins joins Magic Classical for ‘Pavarotti at 90’
Bauer鈥檚 classical music radio station, Magic Classical, is paying tribute to Luciano Pavarotti – one of the world鈥檚 greatest tenors – on what would have been his 90th birthday. With the help of Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins, and a partnership with his label Decca Classics, the station will be celebrating the release of a new album ‘Novanta‘, a 74-track career-spanning compilation with previously unreleased material and iconic duets.
On the Friday before his birthday (12th October) all programmes across the network will reflect on the 鈥楰ing of the High Cs鈥� along with an interview with Katherine ahead of her exclusive documentary. The documentary – ‘Pavarotti at 90 with Katherine Jenkins‘ – sees one of the UK鈥檚 most celebrated mezzo-soprano and Pavarotti fans explore the life and legacy of the world鈥檚 most beloved tenors, featuring archive performances, and commentary from colleagues and admirers including tenor Russell Watson, choirmaster Gareth Malone, and opera expert and friend to Pavarotti for 29 years, Fred Plotkin alongside many others.
Other programmes will see all of the Magic Classical presenters including Charles Nove, Tim Smith, Fran Godfrey and Ayanna Witter-Johnson select their favourite Arias and pieces in ‘Pavarotti Forever‘, while ‘Magic Classical鈥檚 Top 5‘ on the Rayo app will focus on his most popular pieces.
Simon Mayo will also hand his Sunday morning show entirely over to Pavarotti鈥檚 music with pieces that are directly linked to him or part of his story, from The Three Tenors to La Boheme and Madama Butterfly.
Katherine Jenkins said: ‘It is such a joy to present this documentary exploring the remarkable journey of Luciano Pavarotti from his humble beginnings, through his years of dedication, to becoming the legendary superstar we all know and love. For me, Pavarotti was not just an extraordinary tenor, but a lifelong inspiration whose artistry shaped my own career and deepened my passion for music. I have always been in awe of his gift to touch hearts across the world, which is why sharing his story feels profoundly special, as his influence continues to remind us of the true power of song.’
Nick Pitts, Content Director of Magic Classical and Jazz FM said: ‘It鈥檚 not often you get a chance to celebrate a legend like Luciano Pavarotti.聽 I鈥檓 so pleased that Decca Classics have come on board to help us bring his career to life in such an intimate way, either through our daily features on the Friday or special versions of regular programmes.
And how amazing is to have the exquisite Katherine Jenkins join us to tell our listeners his story!聽 I鈥檓 so excited that Magic Classical can lean in this way to really celebrate the musical legend Pavarotti over what would have been this special birthday.’
