“We play one of the guys who is in the first ‘Bill and Ted’”?
what to?
We’ve had ABC-FM, ABC Fine Music, ABC Classic FM, ABC Classic…
I think they meant a visual /logo rebranding.
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Correct.
I don’t have any idea what they would change the name to if they did change it.
But Classic is among the older logos of ABC Radio now, alongside the “red dot” stations [Local Radio & Radio Australia] and Jazz & Country, which all rebranded in 2019. There is also ABC Sport, which rebranded in 2020, alongside ABC Kids listen [which won’t rebrand until the ABC Kids channel does], Double J, which still has their launch logo from 2014 [even though a version with the new drum design exists, they haven’t started using it, I wonder if they are going to do something else?] and ABC Classic 2, which actually got a new logo sometime, but the icon on ABC listen is still their launch logo from 2014 as well.
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Voting Opens for the ABC Classic 100: Piano
Classic 100 in Concert returns to ABC TV and ABC iview this June
As announced live on ABC Classic Breakfast with Dr Megan Burslem this morning, voting in the Classic 100: Piano is now officially open.
Music lovers are invited to nominate their favourite pieces for the highly-anticipated classical music event, as this year’s countdown celebrates the Piano – an instrument that has shaped and inspired generations. From solos to sonatas, the music you practiced at piano lessons to concertos that fill a concert hall, ABC Classic is ready to celebrate all the emotions, sounds, and colours of one of Australia’s favourite instruments across one huge weekend in June.
Cast your votes via the ABC Classic 100 website before 1pm AEST on Monday, 2 June, then tune in to hear the countdown of Australia’s 100 favourite piano pieces from 10am AEST on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June on ABC Classic and the ABC listen app.
Following the nationwide vote, audiences can continue to celebrate Australia’s favourite piano pieces live with the return of the Classic 100 in Concert. Hosted by Dr Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez, the unforgettable evening will premiere Saturday, 21 June at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview.
Led by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Conductor in Residence and Creative Director Benjamin Northey, the Classic 100 in Concert will bring some of the most beloved piano classics to life, performed by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Acclaimed pianist and host of ABC’s The Piano, Andrea Lam, will join a stellar lineup of guests delivering an unforgettable music experience. The full program and artists will be announced once the votes are counted.
Listen to ABC Classic on the radio, stream online or via the ABC listen app, and connect via Instagram and Facebook.
Always free, always entertaining, discover all of your favourite arts and music programs on ABC iview now.
About the ABC Classic 100
Now in its 24th year, ABC’s Classic 100 is a treasured event among music lovers. Each year, ABC Classic asks audiences to nominate their favourite pieces in a particular category, counting down the results across an exciting weekend in June.
Head to the ABC Classic 100 website for more information on this year’s countdown and the Classic 100 in Concert.
ABC Classic 100: Piano – Key Dates:
Monday, 5 May, 8am AEST - Voting Opens
Monday, 2 June, 1pm AEST - Voting Closes
Saturday, 7 & Sunday 8, June, 10am AEST - ABC Classic 100: Piano
Saturday 21 June, 7:30pm: Classic 100 in Concert
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ABC welcomes Philip Noyce as Head of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz
The ABC is delighted to announce that Philip Noyce will join the organisation as the new Head of ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.
Philip is one of the most accomplished classical music executives in the industry, with over 15 years’ experience across the classical and jazz sectors. He joins the ABC from Classic FM - the UK’s most popular classical music station, where he served as Managing Editor and helped shape a service that reaches over 4.7 million listeners each week.
Philip’s career has also seen him serve as a judge for the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards and the Royal Television Society Awards. He is a talented cellist and the author of a series of acclaimed classical music guides for children.
“It’s a fantastic moment to be joining the ABC,” Philip said. “Especially as it invests in two of its iconic music networks: Classic and Jazz. The opportunity to lead these stations was irresistible, and it’s a real honour to step into this role—shaping programming that’s distinctive, engaging, and truly audience-focused.
“With ABC Classic set to mark its 50th anniversary next year, there’s an incredible legacy to celebrate—and exciting new chapters still to be written. I’m thrilled to now be part of that journey.
“I’m also looking forward to forging new creative partnerships in Australia and championing everything that makes their classical and jazz scenes so vibrant. I can’t wait to get started.”
Philip joins a strengthened leadership team for the brands alongside recently appointed Content Director Sascha Kelly, whose career spans includes senior roles with Musica Viva. Sascha brings a deep knowledge of Australia’s classical music scene and has already introduced a renewed focus on editorial craft across programming and presentation.
Together, Philip and Sascha bring complementary strengths that will shape a new chapter for ABC Classic and ABC Jazz.
With ABC Classic turning 50 in 2026, this is a unique opportunity to celebrate its legacy and deepen its relevance and impact for Australian audiences.
ABC Director of Audio, Ben Latimer, said: “Philip brings not only a deep understanding of the audience and the artform, but a strong creative energy that will help lead ABC Classic and ABC Jazz into their next chapter.
“With ABC Classic’s 50th anniversary on the horizon, we have a rare opportunity to honour its legacy while setting a renewed creative agenda. I’m thrilled to welcome Philip to the ABC and alongside Sascha and our broader leadership team, I’m confident we’re building the right foundation to take ABC Classic and Jazz into an exciting future.”
Philip will join the ABC in the coming months and will be part of the ABC Audio leadership team, reporting to the Director Audio.
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Update:
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Amid all the craziness and volatility of today’s world, Good Things like ABC Classic continue to provide much needed relief and a soothing balm to life’s constant irritations. What a treasure is ABC Classic !
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100%. i am a semi regular listener and enjoy it. I especially enjoy the Game show (which features video game music)
I grew up in a house where the only culture i had was in my yogurt so its still relatively new to me but i do enjoy it
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ABC Classic top 100 countdowns are such a great feature. Starting right now and across this weekend is the Top 100 Piano classics. This should be a ripper ! Snuggle up, keep warm, pour a glass of something very nice and immerse yourself across the weekend. Enjoy :))
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Great finish to ABC Classic 100 Piano with my all time fave composer Beethoven coming in at No. 1 (and also No. 2). They have just finished playing the full 40 minutes for all 3 movements of Emperor Concerto No 5 and boy did that sound good turned up ! Full list as per link below.
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Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto takes out #1 in the ABC Classic 100: Piano
The results are in: Beethoven’s Fifth Piano Concerto, The Emperor, reigns as Australia’s favourite piano piece in the ABC Classic 100: Piano
With its third triumph in a Classic 100, The Emperor once again claims its place in the hearts and minds of music lovers across Australia. It’s music that pushed the boundaries of the piano and transformed how composers used the instrument.
Australians not only chose The Emperor as their favourite work but also cemented Beethoven as one of their most-loved composers, with nine placements across this year’s Classic 100—including the impressive Moonlight Sonata in at #2.
The poet of the piano, Frédéric Chopin, rounded out the top places with his Nocturnes claiming #3. Tied with Beethoven, Chopin also secured nine places in this year’s Classic 100.
Over the weekend, ABC Classic unveiled Australia’s favourite 100 piano pieces in one of the most celebrated countdowns in its 24-year history. With nearly 140,000 votes cast, this year’s event set new milestones—featuring the highest representation of female composers to date, with 11 works by seven composers. The countdown also showcased 27 pieces by living composers, 11 works by Australians, and 19 beloved piano compositions written for the screen.
The Classic 100 celebrations continue with Classic 100 in Concert, premiering Saturday, 21 June at 7.30pm on ABC TV and ABC iview. Hosted by Dr Megan Burslem and Jeremy Fernandez, the event will bring Australia’s favourite piano pieces to life, featuring the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Benjamin Northey. Acclaimed pianist Andrea Lam, host of ABC’s The Piano, joins a stellar lineup of guests for a night of extraordinary performances.
The full program and artist announcement will be revealed on Tuesday, 10 June. Head to the ABC Classic website for tickets and more information.
ABC Classic thanks our loyal and passionate audience for listening, voting and tuning in to this year’s Classic 100.
Relive the Classic 100 via the ABC listen app. For more info and stats about the countdown, head to the ABC Classic 100 website or connect via Instagram and Facebook.
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The guests line-up and program for the two Classic 100 concerts in Melbourne have been revealed.
Well, amid plenty of ongoing ABC radio fails in the latest ratings, nice to see one outstanding ABC performance in the culture capital of Australia … Sydney of course 
ABC Classic in Sydney at 3.0 share (up 20% from the previous 2.5) and by far the biggest share for ABC Classic in any capital city market. Sydney Knows Culture. The lowest ranking city for ABC Classic … Melbourne at 1.4. Wow :))
the same city that’s trying to inflict K&JO on the rest of the country haha 
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Classical music doesn’t equal culture. It’s just a matter of personal taste.
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