Classic FM’s Supermarket Symphony Flash Mob

Global Radio’s Classic FM is celebrating 20 years of bringing the world's greatest music to millions of listeners, and has kicked off festivities with a surprise rendition of Handel’s Zadok the Priest’ in a London supermarket. 

 

The impromptu performance in a branch of Morrisons included 18 musicians, one conductor and eight singers, who emerged from the fruit and veg aisles to bring the music to a dramatic crescendo.

 

Throughout September, Classic FM is marking this landmark occasion with special birthday programming and a series of live concerts around the country with its partner orchestras.

 

The celebrations started just after 6.00am today (Friday 7th September 2012), twenty years to the minute that the UK’s first national commercial radio station launched on air. Nick Bailey, Classic FM’s debut presenter, announced the station’s historic birthday and then introduced the first two pieces of music played twenty years ago – Handel’s Zadok the Priest and Weber’s Introduction to the Dance – before handing over to Tim Lihoreau, host of More Music Breakfast. Festivities will continue with live concerts around the UK and special broadcasts.

 

Classic FM’s Managing Director Darren Henley said: “With the flick of a switch back in September 1992, Classic FM transformed the way the UK listened to classical music. Twenty years on, we’re the most successful classical music station in the world - and our belief that classical music can be part of everyone’s lives remains undiminished.”