To mark the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who, BBC Radio 2 will soon air Doctor Who @60: A Musical Celebration, with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers, conducted by Alastair King, celebrating the glorious musical sounds of the iconic and much-loved TV series.
Russell T Davies, Jo Whiley, Chris Chibnall and Steven Moffat (BBC)
What’s Happening:
- Since its launch on BBC Television in November 1963, Doctor Who has been delighting millions of fans all over the world as they have followed the adventures of the Time Lord. With its instantly recognisable theme, specially composed music has always been at the heart of the show.
- The concert features the world exclusive first live performances of Ruby Sunday's (the Doctor’s new companion) theme “The Life of Sunday,” the theme tune of the Fifteenth Doctor called “Fifteenth,” and the new iteration of the iconic Doctor Who theme tune, brilliantly reimagined by composer Murray Gold, who was interviewed on the night, as well as fellow composer Segun Akinola.
- Fans of the show will also recognise “I Am The Doctor,” “Abigail's Song,” “This Is Gallifrey,” “The Impossible Girl,” “I Am A Good Man” and “The Shepherd's Boy.”
- There are contributions from showrunners Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall, and also a trip back in time to the classic years of Doctor Who from the 1960s, 70s and 80s featuring the vintage synthesizers of BBC Radiophonic Workshop veterans Mark Ayres and Peter Howell.
- Plus there’s a look ahead to the keenly awaited 60th anniversary specials on BBC One later in the year.
- Doctor Who @60: A Musical Celebration will be broadcast on Radio 2 from 8-10pm on Sunday, October 15th and available to hear on BBC Sounds, and also filmed for BBC iPlayer, to be broadcast at a later date.
- At this point, there’s no word on if the filmed version will be available for international viewers on Disney+.
What They’re Saying:
- BBC Radio 2 host Jo Whiley: “As listeners to my Radio 2 show know I’m a HUGE Doctor Who fan, so presenting this concert is a dream come true. How better to mark the incredible 60th anniversary of the show than with this wonderful celebration of the music that has featured across the decades.”
- Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2: “BBC Radio 2 just had to mark this momentous anniversary of one of our most-loved BBC TV series. We’re thrilled to bring the amazing BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers to the station to play the memorable music of Doctor Who which we know our listeners will love.”
- Lisa Tregale, Director, BBC NOW: “Everyone at BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales is looking forward to welcoming Doctor Who fans to our home, BBC Hoddinott Hall, in Cardiff for this special 60th anniversary concert with BBC Radio 2. The stage is set, the Daleks have descended, the TARDIS has landed and all Doctor Who fans are in for a special treat! Tune into Radio 2 or BBC Sounds to hear these classic and brand new Doctor Who soundtracks performed by BBC NOW and the BBC Singers.”
The Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials will air this November on the BBC in the UK, and for the first time, Disney+ everywhere else.
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