Make sure to tune in to Radio 3 at 2245 for the first programme in Wagner’s Philosophers (the theme of The Essay this week.) The outspoken and often controversial philosopher, Professor Roger Scruton, starts off the series by looking at how the young Wagner was caught up in the wave of new ideas that was sweeping the German universities of the 1830s as a new generation of philosophers (Fichte, Schelling and Hegel) were weaving new metaphysical systems in the wake of the ground-breaking ideas of Immanuel Kant. In his book on Tristan and Isolde, “Death-Devoted Heart”, Scruton says that Kant was the ultimate inspiration for Wagner’s view of human nature as represented and ultimately vindicated in his music dramas. Scruton places Wagner in this heady atmosphere which came to be known as German Idealism.

Samuel Beckett’s ‘Not I’ had its European premier at London’s Royal Court Theatre 40 years ago. To mark the anniversary the theatre is staging the piece again, performed by Lisa Dwan. Lisa joins Samira, along with Derval Tubridy, author of several studies of Beckett’s work, to discuss a text Beckett said he wanted to ‘work on the nerves of the audience, not its intellect’. Listen to Night Waves at 10pm.

Today on In Tune: Henry Goodman and Emily Bruni play the Wagners on Christmas Morning, 1870; Eric Crees and Guildhall Brass bring exciting Wagner brass discoveries from 19th Century Belgium; and Vasily Petrenko tells us how he’s made the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra thrill audiences and critics in Russian repertoire. All from 4.30pm #WagnerWeek Photo (c) Mark McNulty

This afternoon hear a specially recorded performance of Wagner’s Symphony in C plus music by composers from Webern to Bax which were written under the influence of the great Master of Bayreuth!Radio 3 - Afternoon on 3, Wagner 200, Episode 1www.bbc.co.ukJonathan Swain presents music by Wagner, Berg, Webern, d'Indy, Bax, Mendelssohn and Weber.

Wagner week continues today at midday with Composer of the Week where Donald Macleod takes a look at Wagner and his world, today including music by Beethoven.

On Essential Classics now, our new guest for the week, gardening expert Pippa Greenwood. In the week of the Chelsea Flower Show, Pippa will be talking to Sarah about all things gardening, and choosing some of her favourite music. The Chelsea Flower show always dazzles with its amazing creations, but has anyone got an elephant hedge? If not, why not?

Just some of the singers we recorded for World Routes in Equatorial Guinea. You can hear the whole story this Sunday at 10pm

This week’s edition of Hear and Now is the first of three editions from the recent Tectonics Glasgow at Glasgow’s City Halls. American composer Alvin Lucier was featured throughout the weekend and there were new works by the elder statesman of Romanian spectral music Iancu Dumitrescu in collaboration with American guitarist Stephen O'Malley. The festival is the brainchild of Ilan Volkov, Principal Guest Conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra and champion of the avant-garde. When he wasn’t conducting the orchestra in the main concert hall, Volkov could be found playing violin alongside guitarist Oren Ambarchi and drummer Joe Talia in the Old Fruitmarket next door, and you can hear part of that set in Wednesday’s Late Junction. See more pictures and film from the weekend here:

We sent Tom Service to the shores of Lake Lucerne to learn about Wagner's period of luxurious exile in Switzerland for today's Music Matters. Tom introduces the themes of the programme:BBC Radio 3 - Music Matters, Wagner 200, Tom Service introduces this week's Music MattersTom Service follows in Wagner's footsteps.

As we celebrate Wagner 200, is Wagner a sort of national hero? Why was he so preoccupied with hero figures? Tune into this week’s Sunday Feature to find out more. Stephen Johnson talks to conductor Donald Runnicles, experts Barbara Eichner, Edward Haymes and Barry Millington, opera producer Adrian Mourby and Cosima biographer Oliver Haymes.

Wagner Week starts tomorrow on Radio 3. In this week's edition of Music Matters the BBC's Berlin correspondent Stephen Evans reports from Wagner's home town of Leipzig on the city's love-hate relationship with its most famous composer son, and Tom Service is in Switzerland discovering more out about Wagner's life in Zurich and Lucerne. Tom even had time to make us a short video postcard:Radio 3 - Music Matters, Wagner 200, Tom Service introduces this week's Music Matterswww.bbc.co.ukTom Service follows in Wagner's footsteps.

As part of Wagner Week, Drama on Three presents "One Winter's Afternoon", telling the story of the great rivalry between opera giants Wagner and Verdi. Exploring key moments in the composers’ lives, and using imagined conversations between them, the play examines ageing and creativity, and their artistic loves and differences. Tune in on Sunday at 8:30pm.

Saturday Classics this week is introduced by the distinguished British bass Robert Lloyd who talks about performing Wagner and plays his selection of moments from the operas.

On today’s In Tune, Clemency Burton-Hill will be talking to Estonian conductor Neeme Järvi about his new job with the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande and we’ll be congratulating composer Errollyn Wallen on her success at yesterday’s Ivor Novello Awards. Plus, LIVE chamber music from Northern Chords Festival, the Renaissance Choir and soulful jazz from Alexander Stewart. Join us at 4:30… Photo: Simon van Boxtel

Earlier this year World Routes went to Equatorial Guinea, a small country in central Africa probably best known for attempted coups and massive oil wealth. This Sunday at 10pm you can hear the amazing music of the Fang people, from the 4 string zither and epic story telling tradition of the mvet, to the perhaps never before recorded masked dance called Abakuya. Here's a teaser of what they saw and heard...BBC Radio 3 - World Routes, Equatorial Guinea, Equatorial Guinea, World Routes in Equatorial GuineaWorld Routes heads to the small Central African country of Equatorial Guinea.

And in advance of tonight's performance of Tippett's Symphony No.1 by the BBC Symphony Orchestra (from 730pm on Radio 3), here's sub-principal viola Phil Hall talking about working with Tippett, and suggesting key listening points for the Symphony.BBC Radio 3 - Radio 3 Live in Concert, BBC Symphony Orchestra - Jonathan Lloyd, Brahms, Tippett, PhiBBCSO violist Phil Hall talks about working with Tippett and introduces the Symphony No.1

If you’re planning to attend, or listen to, tonight’s BBC Symphony Orchestra Barbican concert (the world premiere of Jonathan Lloyd’s new balls, Brahms’s Piano Concerto No.2, and Tippett’s Symphony No.1), we think you'll enjoy this short video introduction to the concerto from tonight's soloist, Stephen Hough.BBC Radio 3 - Radio 3 Live in Concert, BBC Symphony Orchestra - Jonathan Lloyd, Brahms, Tippett, SteBBC SO Artist in Focus Stephen Hough gives his insights into Brahms's Piano Concerto No.2.

It's a BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme Happy Birthday! Former member Alexandra Soumm is 24 today, so here she is introducing herself in 2010...Alexandra Soumm - BBC Radio 3 New Generation ArtistAn interview with Alexandara Soumm. The BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme is now in its 10th year. As part of the BBC's commitment to developing and ...

If you're on Tumblr, you'll want to like and reblog the splendid Aylmer Buesst, conductor of a 1934 Bartók world premiere with the BBC Symphony Orchestra

Join Nick Luscombe at 11pm for tonight's Late Junction featuring 'Korean Music for Mom and Kids' , one of Aphex Twin's mixes for cash, Sci Fi soundscapes from Hacker Farm, the jaded paradise of Blue Hawaii , big-haired jazz from Kairos 4tet and much more!

This Saturday on Opera on 3 you can hear Sarah Connolly starring in Charpentier's Medea. Connolly sings the title role, as the vengeful sorceress willing to sacrifice her own children to avenge her faithless husband Jason, performed by tenor Jeffrey Francis. Tune in at 6pm on Saturday to hear Medea:

Clemency Burton-Hill stands in for a poorly Sean on today's In Tune. Her guests include Moldovan violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, one of the most exciting and original talents to emerge on the international concert scene in recent years. We'll also have live music from New York's minimalist piano champion Bruce Brubaker, and Borletti-Buitoni Trust musicians clarinettist Martin Frost and the Elias String Quartet will play music by Mozart. And amongst the whirlwind accompanying the release of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, composer and arranger Elliott Wheeler drops by to tell us about the magic he's conjured with the soundtrack. Photo: Giorgia Bertazzi

On the Radio 3 Tumblr, home to treats and surprises from the Radio 3 archives, a lovely pic of Michael Hordern and David Kossoff in John Mortimer's 'The Dock Brief', the writer's first broadcast production - broadcast on the Third Programme on this day in 1957.

The theatre director Peter Brook has had a lifelong relationship with Shakespeare which he has explored in his productions of plays including A Midsummer Night's Dream, King Lear and Hamlet starring actors such as Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud and Paul Scofield. Matthew Sweet talks to him on the publication of a book of essays reflecting on the playwright, The Quality of Mercy.

On In Tune today, billed as 'the new guitar hero', Montenegrin guitarist Milos plays live. So does young American pianist Jonathan Biss as he takes his exploration of Schumann around the world. And we talk to none other than renowned stage and screen actor John Hurt about a new film looking at Benjamin Britten's pacifism. Photo © Margaret Malandruccolo / DG Courtesy of Deutsche Grammophon

Don't forget you can still catch up with the final part of Wagner's Ring Cycle, and our final installment in the Live from the Met season. Just head over to Opera on 3 to listen again to Götterdämmerung:Image: A scene with the Norns. (c) Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera

Right now to Essential Classics:the great Wilhelm Kempff playing Beethoven - has to be heard to be believed.BBC Radio 3 - Essential Classics, Wednesday - Rob Cowanwww.bbc.co.ukWith Rob Cowan. Including Rob's Essential Choice: Goldmark: The Queen of Sheba (excerpts).

Jonathan Biss on Schumann, from 'Live in Concert', on air now

So tonight Late Junction returns at 11pm with Nick Luscombe - he's collated some pretty special stuff including the stuttered synths of dance producers Sepalcure, video game music from Japanese band Buffalo Daughter, Bach's Adagio reinterpreted by saxophonist Joshua Redman, the Songhai sounds of Malian guitarist Samba Touré and much more besides!

Former BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists scheme members the Elias Quartet and Jonathan Biss are performing Schumann's Piano Quartet in Eb on Live in Concert tonight! The Elias were on the NGA scheme from 2009 to 2011 and Jonathan graduated way back in 2004!de mayo de 2013 9:44Here's a wee video of our rehearsal with Jonathan Biss playing Schumann's Piano Quartet in the Wigmore Hall. Concert tonight live on Radio 3 at 7.30. Programme also includes Purcell Fantasias, Schumann's 1st String Quartet and a new Piano Quintet written by Timothy Andres. This is all for Jonathan's epic "Schumann Project". Have already played it in the USA including Carnegie Hall and look forward to concerts in Hamburg and Amsterdam next week. Maybe see you there?

Suzy welcomes one of the most recognisable figures in opera to the studio later - the celebrated tenor Rolando Villazon. He will be championing Verdi in his anniversary year and chatting about his varied projects. Plus we drop in on Glyndebourne rehearsals to speak to conductor Vladimir Jurowski and soprano Soile Isokoski about their production of Ariadne auf Naxos - all from 4.30!

Rob Cowan's artists of the week: the Alban Berg Quartet all this week on Essential Classics.The quartet was named after the composer at his widow's suggestion. Alban Berg's music - something to take to your desert island?Radio 3 - Essential Classics, Tuesday - Rob Cowanwww.bbc.co.ukWith Rob Cowan. Including Rob's Essential Choice: Respighi: Belkis, Queen of Sheba.

Here's a little taste of what to expect from tonight's main act on Jazz on 3 - tune in from 11pm for Jason Adasiewicz's Sun Rooms trio, plus tracks from other Cheltenham Festival gigs by Troyk-estra and Ravi ColtraneAdasiewicz demonstrates his unusual approach to the vibes [13.05.2013]Jason Adasiewicz's vibes playing has a distinctive, ringing sound that gives a strong flavour to his Sun Rooms Trio. Here's a taster from his inter...

Ringing and swinging vibes on Jazz on 3 from 11pm - on 3 (13.05.2013): Jason Adasiewicz at CheltenhamRinging and swinging vibes on Jazz on 3 from 11pm -

Playing live on today's In Tune: the Central Band of the RAF's Brass Quintet ahead of their appearance alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra this Friday. They'll be joined by composer Nigel Hess and actor Howard Leader to talk about this latest project. We'll also hear live music from lutenist Elizabeth Kenny, and singers Sophie Daneman and Matthew Brook. They'll perform songs by Purcell and Charles Coleman. Dr Ahmad Sarmast is the founder of Afghanistan's first national music school in Kabul. He is one of a series of RPS award-winners for international music making, and will talk to us about his plans for the school ahead of the ceremony tomorrow. Photo: Benjamin Ealovega / Richard Houghton

Yesterday was a quite amazing day for the Proms. There was some disappointment (several Proms are already sold out, including the first night and the Dr Who Proms) but the Royal Albert Hall processed over 114,000 tickets on the first day tickets were available. And if you're not planning to go yourself, remember that every single Prom is live on Radio 3

“You are in Chicago in 1912. You are about to witness an inexplicable wrestling match between two men and observe the downfall of a family that has moved from the prairies to the jungle of the big city.” - Bertolt Brecht This weekend's 'Drama on 3', chosen by Mark Ravenhill, is Bertolt Brecht's 'Jungle of Cities'. Listen at 8.30 pm Sunday

Great news drama nuts: Sunday's 'The Octoroon', chosen by Mark Ravenhill, has been selected as this week's BBC 'Drama of the Week' so you can DOWNLOAD IT TO KEEPBBC - Podcasts and Downloads - Drama of the Weekwww.bbc.co.ukEvery Friday we bring you a new drama from Radio 4 or Radio 3. Exercise your imagination with some of the best writers...

The Live from the Met season concludes tomorrow with the final part of Wagner’s four-part epic Ring cycle, “Gotterdammerung”. The Met has assembled an international cast for this struggle between gods and mortals. Tune in tomorrow at 4pm to hear Wagner’s “Gotterdammerung”.

Juan Diego Florez keeps his smartphone by the side of the stage when he's performing so that he can record and then listen back to his performance later - he speaks to Suzy Klein in this Saturday's Music Matters at 12:15pm. Also on the programme Louis Andriessen pays tribute to British composer Steve Martland who died earlier this week; a new book on Leonard Bernstein and celebrating 100th anniversary of the Pianoforte Tuners Association.

On In Tune this afternoon soprano Ailish Tynan and pianist James Baillieu celebrate French chamber music with songs by Poulenc and Hahn. Artist and author (The Time Traveler's Wife) Audrey Niffenegger visits the studio to discuss a new production at the Royal Ballet based on her book Raven Girl. And students from the Royal Academy Opera bring us music from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas. All this, usual time, 4.30pm. Photo: Sussie Ahlburg

If you missed our guest on Essential Classics this week, Sarah Dunant, all her interviews are available to listen to again.

On the Radio 3 Tumblr, pics - including Toscanini, Boult, Henry Wood and the BBC Symphony Orchestra - from the glorious Queens Hall, destroyed on this day in 1941 during a bombing raid on Central London:On this day in 1941, the Queens Hall, home to the...bbcradio3.tumblr.comOn this day in 1941, the Queens Hall, home to the Proms since 1895, was destroyed in a bombing raid. The Hall, which was right across Langham Place from Broadcasting House in Central London, had been...

Don't miss tonight's Late Junction with Nick Luscombe. He'll be playing New Orleans funk/jazz group The Hot 8 Brass Band , Bamako/Paris collaboration Donso , London-based producer Floating Points , the gypsy spirit of Myshkin's Ruby Warblers , dynamic violist Nadia Sirota and much much more!

Live on In Tune this afternoon, soprano Carolyn Sampson with Ex Cathedra, performing French Baroque arias. Also with Sean Rafferty in the studio will be cellist David Cohen, and Bang-on-a-Can composer David Lang. Join us at 4.30pm Photo © Marco Borggreve

The penultimate live broadcast this season from the Metropolitan Opera in New York was Francis Poulenc’s Les Dialogues des Carmelites, written in 1957 and set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. You can still listen to the episode of Opera on 3 here:

At 11 on Essential Classics today, we've a fine recording by Benjamin Britten conducting his own music - The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra. Hope you can tune in.

It's soon time for another slice of Late Junction with Nick Luscombe. He's picked a fine selection of sounds featuring the Great Island Mouthbow of Colin Offord, the duelling cellos and percussion of Insa Donja Kai, experimental tape music from 80s Seoul, spooky electronics from UK producer Lapalux and much more!

There can't be many percussion concertos which begin with four percussionists sitting at the front, breaking sticks, but that's exactly how David Lang's new concerto, 'man made', begins. If you don't believe us, check out the latest Blog by BBC Symphony Orchestra and Singers' general manager Paul Hughes: Paul introduces this Friday's Barbican partnership concert which forms part of US composer Nico Muhly's 'A Scream and an Outrage' event. As well as the world premiere of 'man made', there is the world premiere of an a capella piece by Nico Muhly commissioned by the Barbican and the BBC for the BBC Singers. Visit the blog to watch David Lang introduce his piece, and you can see the musicians of So Percussion breaking those sticks ...BBC - Blogs - BBC Radio 3 - In harmony: Barbican and BBC Symphony Orchestrawww.bbc.co.ukBBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers' general manager Paul Hughes looks forward to an imminent concert collaboration with the Barbican Centre, and to future projects.

For your @EveningStandard? Turn to page 34 or go online for the paper's Pick of the Proms bit.ly/10GK2aA