**Sean Rafferty Leaving Radio 3 After 30 Years as Host of In Tune**
Sean Rafferty, a beloved figure in the world of classical music broadcasting, is set to leave BBC Radio 3 after an illustrious career spanning three decades. Rafferty has been the voice of the daily music magazine show, “In Tune,” for over 25 years, making him a staple in the lives of classical music enthusiasts.
“In Tune” is a flagship program on BBC Radio 3, airing live on weekday afternoons from 16:30 to 18:30. The show, known for its eclectic mix of music, features everything from the BBC’s own archives to new and old commercial releases. It also includes fascinating studio and phone interviews with luminaries from the world of serious music. One of the highlights of the program is the live studio performances, which often feature a diverse range of acts, from soloists and small ensembles to large world-music and jazz groups.
Rafferty’s departure marks the end of an era for “In Tune.” His ability to engage with both the music and the artists has made the show a must-listen for classical music fans. His departure will undoubtedly leave a void, but it also offers an opportunity to reflect on the show’s unique format and the behind-the-scenes efforts that make it possible.
The technical team behind “In Tune” plays a crucial role in maintaining the show’s high standards. On any given day, a team of around 25 staff members from BBC Radio’s Music Operations department is involved in the production. These professionals work on a variety of other music studio programs for Radio 3, 6Music, and Radio 2, as well as location recordings and outside broadcasts.
One of the key figures in the technical team is Neil Pemberton, a Senior Studio Manager who has been with the BBC since 1980. Pemberton’s work involves mixing orchestral concerts, both in recorded sessions and live broadcasts, primarily in London’s many concert venues. He is also part of the team that works on the BBC Proms, a world-renowned concert series.
The technical challenges of producing “In Tune” are significant. The show is usually broadcast from a suite on the eighth floor of Broadcasting House called 80A, a large general-purpose radio studio that houses one of Broadcasting House’s two Steinway grand pianos. The studio setup includes a variety of microphones and monitoring systems to ensure the highest sound quality.
For instance, on June 1st, the first act on “In Tune” was Ricardo Ribeiro, a Portuguese Fado singer making his UK debut. He was supported by a trio of guitarists. The technical team had to set up and balance the sound for this group in a very short amount of time. The setup included a near-spaced pair of DPA 4006 small-diaphragm omni capacitor mics for the guitar trio, supplemented by AKG C414B-ULS accent mics and a BSS AR133 active DI box for the bass guitar. The vocal mic was a Neumann KMS105, positioned to minimize spill pickup while ensuring excellent sight-lines between the singer and the guitarists.
The show’s technical setup also includes a sophisticated foldback system, allowing musicians to balance their foldback mixes to their own preferences. This system is derived from the individual pre-fade mic outputs from the studio’s mixing console, plus a reverb return. This setup allows the technical team to concentrate on finessing the broadcast mix rather than worrying about optimizing foldback mixes.
The complexity of the show’s production is further highlighted by the need for quick adjustments and last-minute changes. On the day of Ricardo Ribeiro’s performance, the band arrived late due to transport issues, forcing the team to quickly adapt and restructure the show’s running order. Despite these challenges, the team managed to maintain the show’s high standards, a testament to their skill and experience.
The show’s production also involves a significant amount of pre-planning. The production team pre-loads all the required audio items onto the BBC’s massive playout server system well in advance. This includes CDs, pre-recorded music, interviews, and more. Each item is then scheduled into the VCS dira! system in the correct playout order. The assistant producer is responsible for entering the relevant information to ensure the “now playing” information is kept up to date.
As the show goes on air, the technical team uses the Broadcast Network Control System (BNCS) to manage the on-air switching of different studios and control a wide range of other ancillary studio services and facilities. This system allows the operator to control all manner of remote equipment through a small number of logically laid-out touchscreen displays.
Sean Rafferty’s departure from “In Tune” is a significant moment for BBC Radio 3. His contributions to the show and the world of classical music broadcasting are immeasurable. As he steps down, the legacy of his work will continue to inspire both listeners and the team behind the scenes. The show’s unique format and the dedication of its technical team ensure that “In Tune” will remain a beloved program for years to come.
Source: BBC
