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Episode details

Radio 3,06 Jun 2026,60 mins

Jess Gillam with... Olivia Belli

This Classical Life

Available for 29 days

Jess Gillam swaps favourite tracks with Italian contemporary classical pianist and composer Olivia Belli. After studying classical piano at an Italian conservatory, Olivia gravitated towards performing the works of contemporary composers such as Philip Glass and Max Richter. Her own compositions are inspired by nature, art, and spirituality, and have been streamed millions of times online. She has performed everywhere from the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam to Montréal International Jazz Festival and was commissioned by the BBC Proms in 2023 to write a piece for the organist Anna Lapwood. Her latest album, 'Daimon', is out now via Sony Classical. Olivia chooses music from Arvo Pärt, Gino Paoli, Philip Glass and Bach reinvented by the Jacques Loussier Trio, whilst Jess's choices include music by Vivaldi and The Beatles. To listen on most smart speakers, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Radio 3”.

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Tracklist

  1. Track
    Artist
  2. 1.
    String Quartet No 12 in F major 'American', Op 96 (4th mvt)
    String Quartet No 12 in F major 'American', Op 96 (4th mvt)
    Antonín Dvořák
  3. 2.
    Ithaca Suite: V. Eurycleia
    Ithaca Suite: V. Eurycleia
    Olivia Belli
  4. 3.
    Da Pacem Domine
    Da Pacem Domine
    Arvo Pärt