Sean Rafferty to leave Radio 3 after nearly three decades

Known for his erudition, composure and deep knowledge of classical music, he quickly became a mainstay of In Tune – a programme whose eclectic mix of live and recorded elements requires a confident and fleet-footed host.

But his self-deprecation and droll one-liners were the ingredients that really endeared him to listeners.

“I am a reluctant and absolutely ludicrously unlikely broadcaster,” he said in a BBC profile, recorded in 2010.

In the same interview, he discussed how music had been a lifeline “when there were bombs going off around the corner” during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.

“I suspect it must have been what it was like in the Blitz, where you didn’t know what was going to happen the next day, so there was an edge to your appreciation.”

An amateur violinist, he brought his musical knowledge to interviews with world-class musicians like Yo Yo Ma, André Previn, Daniel Barenboim, Nicola Benedetti, Lang Lang, Cecilia Bartoli and Dame Janet Baker.

But he always said his biggest pleasure was introducing listeners to new talent.

“You see them at the beginning of their career – the young string players and the young singers – and you just know they’ve got something special. And to be however small a part in disseminating what they’ve got to offer is really incredible.”

Rafferty was awarded radio presenter of the year at the 2004 Broadcasting Press Guild Awards, and was appointed MBE in 2017 for services to Broadcasting.

In a statement, Petroc Trelawny paid tribute to Rafferty’s warmth and humanity on the airwaves.

“Sean has stylishly and wittily helmed In Tune for three decades, creating a very special space for musicians to perform and share rich insights into their work and their lives.

“That artists, singers, conductors and composers so relish appearing on the show is in a big part thanks to Sean’s personality; his long stewardship of the programme has made it a vital place to celebrate many forms of music making.

“Alongside Katie, I will be working hard to ensure we maintain the rich jewel of a programme he invented.”

Tom McKinney will become the new host of Radio 3’s weekday breakfast show, which will move to Salford in 2025.