VOV Sonata FM 89 brings classical music closer to everyday life

From symphonic masterpieces and chamber music to jazz, listeners will have a new way to explore a broad range of musical works when VOV begins trial broadcasts of VOV Sonata FM 89 on October 20.

The new channel is designed to bring music with high artistic value closer to everyday life, giving audiences more opportunities to enjoy works that are often associated with concert halls. It also reflects the national broadcaster’s efforts to diversify its radio services and expand public access to cultural content.

From symphonic masterpieces to jazz

VOV Sonata FM 89 will offer a continuous 24-hour stream of music, with programmes arranged to suit different times of the day and listening preferences.

The schedule includes Thanh am mat troi (Sounds of the Sun), featuring uplifting works to start the day; Giai dieu huyen thoai (Legendary Melodies), presenting classical masterpieces; and Nha hat am nhac (Concert Hall), offering a concert-listening experience. Relaxing midday selections and jazz programmes introducing different styles and moods will add variety to the channel.

Rather than relying on spoken links between tracks, the channel will keep presenter commentary to a minimum, allowing the music to take centre stage and creating a more continuous listening experience.

Selecting music for a 24-hour channel involves more than putting together a collection of well-known works. Each piece has its own length, structure and emotional character, requiring editors to consider how different selections fit together and suit listeners at different times of the day.

Anh Tuan, an editor at the Literature, Arts and Music Channel (VOV3), said the team has spent considerable time listening to and selecting works to create a coherent musical flow throughout the day.

The launch date also carries a special meaning. As the channel begins trial broadcasts on October 20, the team has selected works that are accessible to listeners and include music celebrating the image of Vietnamese women (October 20 is Vietnamese Women’s Day).

A new platform for musical appreciation

The launch of VOV Sonata FM 89 is to concretise the Politburo’s Resolution 80 on cultural development and to diversify the broadcaster’s production outputs. It comes as VOV seeks to broaden access to orchestral and chamber music, jazz and other works of artistic value. The channel gives these genres a dedicated broadcast space, helping audiences explore music that may otherwise receive less exposure in general programming.

Behind the new service is a substantial investment in production and transmission infrastructure. VOV has developed a new studio and introduced modern equipment to support high-quality audio production, particularly for orchestral and chamber works, where layers of instruments and subtle changes in tone are essential to the listening experience.

The channel also requires careful editorial planning. Some programmes run for 120 to 180 minutes, meaning editors must manage timings precisely, select compatible works and ensure that transitions between pieces remain smooth. A dedicated software system has been developed to organise and store audio files for use in programme production.

Another key element is access to music and broadcasting rights. During preparations for the trial launch, VOV acquired licences for nearly 10,000 musical works, according to Ta Ngoc Hung, deputy head of VOV3. The collection is continuing to expand, providing a broader repertoire for programme makers.

VOV also plans to connect traditional radio broadcasting with internet radio, its website, mobile applications and other digital platforms, giving listeners more ways to access its content. The availability and launch timing of these services will depend on the channel’s implementation arrangements.

By combining a dedicated music format, a growing catalogue of licensed works and upgraded production facilities, VOV Sonata FM 89 aims to make high-quality music a more accessible part of everyday life. Its broader ambition is to encourage musical appreciation, enrich listeners’ cultural experiences and bring the artistic value of orchestral, chamber and jazz music to a wider public.

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