Classic FM’s Classical Pioneers with HX Expeditions launches Sunday 2nd August at 6pm on Classic FM and Global Player
Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station, is once again joining forces with leading expedition cruise company HX Expeditions for a brand-new six-part series, Classical Pioneers, presented by Sue Perkins.
Following the success of the Race to… series, Sue Perkins returns to Classic FM to embark on another extraordinary journey, this time celebrating the pioneering explorers, scientists and adventurers whose remarkable stories have shaped our understanding of some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations.
Setting sail on Sunday 2nd August, Sue will embark on an adventure across the next six weeks, taking listeners on a fascinating musical expedition, from breathtaking Svalbard in the Arctic, to Antarctica and Greenland, exploring cities, countries and continents, whilst celebrating classical music connections along the way.
Sue follows in the footsteps of some of history’s great explorers, travelling through many of the places that HX Expeditions visits, and highlighting classical music associated with those destinations, including Antarctica: visited on three occasions by Sir Earnest Shackleton and reflected musically in Shackelton’s Cross by Howard Goodall. Elsewhere, inspired by Amelia Earhart, the American Aviator who was the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic, Sue features music from Earhart’s contemporary, the American composer George Gershwin, with his Rhapsody in Blue.
“I’ve always believed that every great journey begins with curiosity, and Classical Pioneers is full of extraordinary people whose determination to explore the world changed what we know about it.
It’s been a joy to uncover their remarkable stories and pair them with beautiful music that captures the drama, emotion and sheer scale of their adventures. I can’t wait for listeners to join us on another unforgettable expedition.”
Sue Perkins, CLASSIC FM HOST
“We’re delighted to continue our successful partnership with HX Expeditions through a fresh new concept that brings together two things we know our audience loves: incredible storytelling and beautiful classical music.
Sue is the perfect host to take our listeners on another memorable journey that will allow our listeners to explore the exciting sounds and landmarks of the world.”
Joseph Zubier, Classic FM’s Managing Editor
Suzanne Hall, European and ANZ Marketing Director at HX, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Classic FM and Sue Perkins on this new series. Classical Pioneers celebrates the explorers, scientists and adventurers whose work has helped shape our understanding of some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations. Through music and storytelling, the series brings their stories to life while reflecting the spirit of discovery at the heart of HX’s expeditions.”
Classic FM’s Classical Pioneers with HX Expeditions is broadcast every Sunday from 2nd August – 6th September 2026 at 6pm on Classic FM, available across the UK on Global Player, 100-102 FM, DAB digital radio and TV, and ClassicFM.com.
