BBC Music Day

Today Essential Classics is part of BBC Music Day, a new nationwide initiative connecting communities and generations with an inspirational celebration of music across the UK. This unique day features live music events and performances involving both well-known musicians and local ensembles across the country, together with the BBC's Performing Groups. Essential Classics is pleased to be joined by the BBC Singers, live from Cumbria.

Later in the morning Rob hands over to Sarah Walker in north-west London for a specially recorded concert from the BBC's Maida Vale Studios. The concert will feature works by Bax, Ravel, John Adams and Sibelius performed by the BBC Symphony Orchestra, sitting side by side with amateur musicians and students on the BBC SO/RCM Pathways Scheme, and the BBC SO Family Orchestra and Chorus will create a new piece. And BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Esther Yoo will join the BBC SO to perform the finale of Beethoven's Violin Concerto.

9am
As part of BBC Music Day we join the BBC Singers live from Cumbria for some songs that reflect the local area. Rob shares his final reason to love scherzos. Also, take part in today's musical challenge: listen to the clues and see if you know the mystery performer.

10am
Rob's guest this week is the musician Will Gregory. Will is a composer, producer, keyboardist and woodwind player and is best known as part of the electronic music duo Goldfrapp. He will be sharing a selection of his favourite classical music with Rob, every day at 10am.

10.30am
We return to Cumbria to hear once again from the BBC Singers and after that we join Sarah Walker at Maida Vale for a specially recorded concert by the BBC Symphony Orchestra. They're joined by students and amateur musicians to perform works by Bax, Ravel, John Adams and Sibelius. In addition the BBC SO Family Orchestra and Chorus will create a new piece and BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artist Esther Yoo joins the BBC SO to perform the finale of Beethoven's Violin Concerto.