Ellara Wakely appointed as a BBC Radio 3 Commissioning Executive

Ellara Wakely, who leads the BBC Ten Pieces scheme, has been appointed as a BBC Radio 3 Commissioning Executive.

Wakely joins the existing team two days a week for a two year period, to lead on BBC Radio 3’s ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion in classical music, liaising with other diversity and inclusion teams internally and externally.

She will also be involved in developing the station’s commissioning strategy, working across Radio 3 programmes of classical music, cutting edge jazz and ambient classical music genres, and nurturing relationships with independent suppliers.

Ellara, who is a music education specialist, comes from the BBC Proms and the Orchestras and Choirs teams where she co-leads the learning programme for the BBC Proms, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Concert Orchestra and Singers.

Her work includes running the BBC Ten Pieces programme and representing the BBC as an education partner in the East Bank cultural partnership in Stratford. Ellara will combine this new position with her continuing role as Senior Learning Manager for the BBC Proms and London Orchestras and Choirs.

Commenting on her appointment, Ellara Wakely said: “In my work at the Proms, Orchestras and Choirs, I have dedicated myself to creating inclusive opportunities for the broadest audiences for classical music, and am passionate to continue this work in my new role. I am really looking forward to working with the team at Radio 3, and am excited to bring my experience of working within music education across the UK to the network.”

Alan Davey, Controller of BBC Radio 3 said: “At BBC Radio 3 we are committed to continually broadening the diversity of our output and the music and artists we share with our audiences. Only through having greater diversity in the whole classical music sector will we encourage the best ideas that will reflect all audiences. Ellara’s fresh ideas, passion and experience in diversity and inclusion make her the ideal candidate for the role. We are delighted that she will be actively contributing to the future direction of Radio 3.”

Miranda Wayland, Head of Creative and Workforce Diversity and Inclusion: “ I think this appointment is so integral to underpinning the amazing work already established in BBC Radio 3. Ellara’s wealth of experience and knowledge will further enhance and drive the agenda forward with great success.”

Prior to working at the BBC, Ellara worked in international orchestral touring and taught music. Growing up in London she studied music through her local Music service and the Centre for Young Musicians before going on to study Music and History at University.