LISTEN AGAIN: Katherine Jenkins helps Magic Classical celebrate Pavarotti at 90
Join us as we celebrate a legend!
Last updated 13th Oct 2025
We paid tribute to one of the world’s greatest tenors, Luciano Pavarotti, on what would have been his 90th birthday this month - and a star-studded cast list helped us out!
Welsh opera star Katherine Jenkins joined Magic Classical in leading the tributes by hosting a special documentary, Pavarotti at 90 with Katherine Jenkins, exploring the life and legacy of the world’s most beloved tenor, featuring archive performances and commentary from colleagues and admirers including tenor Russel Watson and choirmaster Gareth Malone.
Other special programmes included, Magic Classical Breakfast's Charles Nove playing Magic Classical's Top 5 Pavarotti. Tim Smith, Fran Godfrey and Ayanna Witter-Johnson selected their favourite Arias and pieces in Pavarotti Forever. Whilst Simon Mayo handed his Sunday morning show entirely over to Pavarotti’s music along with pieces that are directly linked to him or part of his story - from The Three Tenors to La Boheme and Madama Butterfly.
You can listen again by clicking the links below, or on Magic Classical’s official app, Rayo, which also has a collection called ‘Pavarotti at 90’, alongside a special ‘Magic Classical Top 5’ playlist of Pavarotti’s most famous recordings. Download the Rayo app here.
Pavarotti at 90 – listen again:
Pavarotti at 90 with Katherine Jenkins
The UK’s celebrated and award-winning operatic singer marks the birthday of the great Italian tenor, whose voice transcended opera to become a global phenomenon. It looks at the early years, his years as an opera start and then the crossover years as he became a global superstar via some of the most recognised voices and contributors of today.
Pavarotti Forever
The Magic Classical presenter’s share their favourite Pavarotti piece or Aria from across his career in this hour long special.
Simon Mayo on Pavarotti
Simon hands his show over to the music of Pavarotti and friends for the full two hours.
Magic Classical's Top 5 Pavarotti
Charles Nove presents Magic Classical’s Top 5 Pavarotti, created from streaming and airplay data.
Discover the new Pavarotti album ‘Novanta’:
Classical music label Decca Classics joins the celebrations by releasing new album, ‘Novanta’. A 74-track career-spanning compilation with previously unreleased material and iconic duets.
Keep listening to Magic Classical this month to hear specially selected tracks.
Meet the Magic Classical family:
Charles Nove at Breakfast: 7-10am Monday to Friday
Start the day right with Charles, as he plays a blend of vibrant and soothing music for the morning and gives us a light and humorous look at the day's news stories.
Tim Smith: 10am-2pm Monday to Friday
Tim has amazing music, guests, listener features and the Book Club each weekday morning from 10am
Jo Cochrane: 2-6pm Monday to Friday
Join Jo for a relaxing sound to weekday afternoons from 2pm.
Fran Godfrey: 6-10pm Sunday to Thursday
Fran has the perfect soundtrack to wrap up your day from 6pm, including Mindfulness Music at 8pm to give yourself some me time with music designed to help you reset.
Simon Mayo: 10am-12pm Sunday
Simon Mayo plays a perfect Sunday morning mix of classical favourites as you devour the Sunday papers, and maybe a croissant or two!
Darren Redick: 6-9pm Saturday and 12-2pm Sunday
As well as playing the magic of classical music on a Saturday night, Darren presents the Magic Classical Request Show on a Sunday afternoon with the music selected by you – submit your requests here
Jack Pepper: 2-6pm Saturday and Sunday
There's two doses of Jack alongside a superb weekend mix of classical music including Jack's Jukebox – those pop songs so expertly turned into classical favourites, plus an homage to Movie music on Saturday and Musical Theatre on Sunday
Hannah Cox: 7-10am Saturday and Sunday
Enjoy calming and uplifting music with Hannah Cox every weekend morning.
Ayanna Witter-Johnson: 11am-2pm Saturday
Join composer, singer, songwriter and cellist Ayanna Witter-Johnson on Saturdays from 11am.
Tony Minvielle: 6-10pm Friday
Join Tony every Friday night from 6pm with a programme tailored to that end-of-the-week vibe.
How to listen to Magic Classical:
<a class="article-body-link" href="http://Listen to Magic Classical across the UK on your digital radio, the free Rayo app, via the play button below or ask your smart speaker to "Play Magic Classical”. Listen live to your favourite music and presenters, keep up with the latest news and shows, enter competitions, and check out our playlists." target="_blank">Listen to Magic Classical across the UK on your digital radio, the free Rayo app, via the play button below or ask your smart speaker to "Play Magic Classical”. Listen live to your favourite music and presenters, keep up with the latest news and shows, enter competitions, and check out our playlists.