Michael Berkeley's guest is Colin Low, Chairman of the RNIB, who chooses songs by Schumann and Wolf, piano music by Schumann and Messiaen and an excerpt from Wagner's Die Walkure.
Michael Berkeley's guest is photographer Sarah Lee. Show more
Michael Berkeley presents a Chopin archive selection, including jazz bassist Charlie Haden on the Etudes and scholar Edward Said on the Impromptu, Op 36. Show more
Michael Berkeley's guest is writer Naomi Alderman. Show more
Private Passions
Jane Birkin
28 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 3Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 3
Available for over a year
Michael Berkeley's guest is the actor and singer Jane Birkin. Show more
Michael Berkeley's guest is writer Raynor Winn, whose first book The Salt Path followed the remarkable journey she and her husband Moth made around the South West Coastal Path. Show more
2023 marks the centenary of the composer György Ligeti's birth, and in this programme, first broadcast in 1997, he joined Michael Berkeley to share some of his musical passions. Show more
In a wide-ranging and engaging interview, musician Jarvis Cocker tells Michael Berkeley about the role classical music plays in his life and relationships. Show more
Private Passions
Mark Solms
39 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 3Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 3
Available for over a year
Michael Berkeley’s guest is neuroscientist Mark Solms. With music by Bach, Ligeti, Beethoven and Talking Heads. Show more
Science writer and broadcaster James Burke tells Michael Berkeley about his musical childhood, love of Italy, and the music that reminds him of the Moon landings 50 years ago. Show more
Michael Berkeley’s guest is the poet Hannah Sullivan, winner of the TS Eliot prize. With music by Strauss, Dvorak and Nina Simone. Show more
Michael Berkeley’s guest is American crimewriter James Ellroy, whose hero is Beethoven. Show more
Michael Berkeley’s guest is historian Sir David Cannadine. With music by Haydn, Sullivan, Walton and Purcell. Show more
Michael Berkeley’s guest is American writer Siri Hustvedt. With music by Hildegard of Bingen, John Cage and Meredith Monk. Show more
Lord Stirrup, former chief of the defence staff, talks to Michael Berkeley about his passion for music from Renaissance motets to 21st-century opera. Show more
Michael Berkeley’s guest is writer Deborah Levy. With Gluck, Beethoven, Mozart, and Leonard Cohen. Show more
Michael Berkeley’s guest is activist and gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell in a rare personal interview, featuring the music of Mozart, Prokofiev and Prince. Show more
Actress and director Selina Cadell talks to Michael Berkeley about her passion for opera and the music she has turned to in times of loss. Show more
Private Passions
Venki Ramakrishnan
34 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 3
Available for over a year
Sir Venki Ramakrishnan, the Nobel-winning scientist and president of the Royal Society, shares his passion for chamber music with Michael Berkeley. Show more
Private Passions
Philippa Perry
24 minutes
First broadcast: on BBC Radio 3Latest broadcast: on BBC Radio 3
Available for over a year
Psychotherapist and author Philippa Perry talks to Michael Berkeley about the power of music to shape our emotions and tell the stories of our lives. Show more