In 2026, ABC Classic—Australia’s leading classical music network—celebrates 50 years of broadcasting with a year-long program of concerts, special broadcasts, and distinctive new initiatives.
To headline this milestone year, award-winning pianist Andrea Lam and journalist, presenter, and classical music enthusiast Leigh Sales join the ABC Classic lineup. Lam will present The Art of the Piano on Sunday evenings, while Sales will host a new Saturday program during the anniversary months, bringing her warmth, insight, and passion for classical music to audiences nationwide.
The celebrations begin on Saturday 24 January, the anniversary of ABC Classic’s first broadcast. The day will feature a curated retrospective of the network’s rich history, including archival recordings, ‘best of’ live concerts, tributes from past and present presenters, listener stories, and memorable moments from five decades of sharing classical music with Australia.
Key 50th activity across the year
- A celebratory day of programs on Saturday 24 January
- A very special edition of the ABC Classic 100 countdown
- The much-anticipated return of the ABC Young Performers Awards (YPAs) supported by a new Young Performers program throughout the year
- 50 Classical Icons – a weekly program featuring iconic classical musicians who have shaped the genre
- A landmark birthday concert at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl, broadcast live
- A new music commissioning scheme to champion a wider spectrum of Australian composers, from emerging voices to established figures
Head of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz, Philip Noyce, said: “It’s an honour to be part of ABC Classic at such a significant moment in our history. As we celebrate 50 years of broadcasting, we’re proud to reflect on the legacy of this iconic network while looking ahead to its future. I’m delighted that the ABC Young Performers Awards are returning in 2026, providing an opportunity to spotlight and celebrate outstanding young musicians – with every note broadcast exclusively on ABC Classic.
“For the first time ever, we’re also heading to every state and territory to record over 200 concerts from every corner of Australia. It’s going to be a huge year for us, and I’m excited to work with our talented team to continue delivering exceptional classical music experiences to audiences nationwide.”
ABC Classic’s refreshed schedule in 2026 will include new programs alongside bespoke 50th anniversary content and special short-run series including an exploration of Minimalism and a Dame Joan Sutherland centenary celebration. The network’s trusted staples – shows presented by Megan Burslem, Russell Torrance, Genevieve Lang, Vanessa Hughes and Ed Le Brocq – also return in the new year.
Weekday Evening Highlights
- Monday-Thursday at 6pm – Unwind: Greta Bradman hosts a new program to ease listeners into the evening.
- Monday at 7pm – Young Performers: Nina Korbe spotlights rising stars and provides dedicated coverage of the ABC Young Performers Awards.
- Tuesday at 7pm – 50 Classical Icons: Mairi Nicolson explores iconic musicians who have shaped the genre.
- Wednesday at 7pm – Bandstand: Lucas Burns celebrates brass and wind repertoire.
- Thursday at 7pm – Passenger: Stéphanie Kabanyana Kanyandekwe takes listeners on musical journeys across global destinations.
- Monday-Friday at 8pm – Evening Concert: Joel Carnegie presents the greatest live concerts from Australia and abroad.
Weekend Highlights
- Saturday 10am: Alice Keath hosts a new live program of legendary recordings alongside eclectic new discoveries.
- Saturday 3pm: Leigh Sales presents her new program during the anniversary months.
- Saturday from 8pm: the destination for opera lovers with The Opera Show and Saturday Night at the Opera, both hosted by Mairi Nicolson.
- Sunday 6pm: Australia Plays celebrates Australian performers, compositions and features exclusive live studio sessions.
- Sunday 9pm: Andrea Lam presents The Art of the Piano.
Alongside its refreshed programming schedule, ABC Classic remains at the heart of Australia’s live classical music sector in 2026. For the first time in the station’s history, performances from every state and territory will feature across the year. More than 200 concerts – from symphony halls to intimate chamber venues, opera stages to regional festivals – will be recorded, including twice as many opera productions.
A brilliant array of concerts will also be broadcast live on-air, giving listeners exclusive access to landmark performances as they happen. New works by both emerging and established Australian composers will be commissioned throughout the year, as ABC Classic continues to support and shape the future of classical music in Australia.
Join ABC Classic during a landmark year as the network celebrates 50 years of sharing the greatest classical music with Australia.
Further details about the 2026 ABC Classic schedule can be found at www.abc.net.au/listen/classic