Category: Radio 2; Radio 3
Date: 27.11.2005
Printable version
Aled Jones is to join 91Èȱ¬ Radio to present new shows for 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2 and Radio 3 - the networks working together to give different platforms for his talents.
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On Radio 2 Aled is to front the network's flagship religious programme Good Morning Sunday (7.00-9.00am, Sundays from 15 January), a lively mix of talk and discussion with inspirational music.
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The new interactive programme will look at the issues of faith and belief as they affect people's everyday lives.
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Every week the programme will include a topical discussion and Aled will be joined by a special guest.
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Aled will also be introducing regular editions of Radio 2's Friday Night Is Music Night series.
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On Radio 3 Aled will present The Choir (6.30pm, Sundays starting 8 January), a programme about all things choral.
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A combination of performance, news and features, the new series starts with a profile of British choral legend Sir David Willcocks.
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Future programmes will explore every reach of the choral repertoire, including gospel, liturgical, male-voice, barbershop and other styles from around the world.
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Later in 2006 The Choir will also offer extended coverage of the network's own choral competition - 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3's Choir Of The Year.
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Aled says: "I'm delighted to be joining 91Èȱ¬ Radio. It's a fantastic opportunity to play some wonderful music and to meet some truly inspirational guests.
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"I hope I can get some tips from Terry Wogan and Jonathan Ross!"
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Lesley Douglas, Controller, Radio 2, says: "Exploring and reflecting religious affairs is a key element of Radio 2's output and I'm confident that a combination of Aled's experience in religious programmes and his warmth as a broadcaster will mean that he will quickly establish himself with the listeners to Radio 2."
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Roger Wright, Controller, Radio 3, says: "Aled has a wide-ranging knowledge of and passion for choral music and so I am delighted he will be presenting The Choir.
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"We also look forward to Aled presenting Radio 3's Choir Of The Year competition in December next year."
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Over the past five years Aled Jones has become one of the most established and popular presenters of 91Èȱ¬ ONE's Songs of Praise.
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Born in 1970 in Llandegfan, Anglesey, Aled has been singing since he was two years old.
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At the age of nine, he joined Bangor Cathedral Choir where he came to the attention of a local record company and the 91Èȱ¬.
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Television performances and album deals followed and Aled achieved international stardom. He has performed with Leonard Bernstein, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra and at the Hollywood Bowl.
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He turned professional at the age of 12 but had to 'retire' when his voice broke at 16. Advised not to sing for five years to allow his voice to mature, Aled concentrated on tennis and became a county level player.
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He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Six weeks after leaving theatre school he was cast by Andrew Lloyd Webber in a production of Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat.
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In 2004 Aled Jones was voted Religious Broadcaster of the Year in the Churches Media Council's Andrew Cross Awards for his work with Songs of Praise.
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Broadcast details
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Good Morning Sunday, 7.00-9.00am, Sundays from 15 January 2005 on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 2
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The Choir, 6.30-8.00pm, Sundays from 8 January on 91Èȱ¬ Radio 3.
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AG
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