Hannah French – Inspiring Music Broadcaster and Scholar with Triumphs and Challenges
From Baroque mastery to radio fame, Hannah French’s journey blends academic brilliance with personal resilience, shaping the future of early music.
Introduction
Hannah French has become a distinctive voice in the classical music world, known for her expertise in early music, her captivating radio presence, and her ability to connect audiences with the beauty of Baroque performance. As a broadcaster, author, academic, and performer, she has successfully bridged the gap between scholarship and mainstream media. Her story is not only about professional achievement but also about overcoming personal challenges to make a lasting mark in the arts.
With a career spanning teaching, performance, and broadcasting, Hannah has demonstrated a rare versatility that appeals to both music experts and casual listeners. Her passion for accessibility, combined with her dedication to excellence, has made her an influential figure in British cultural life.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dr Hannah French |
| Nationality | British |
| Birthplace | Yorkshire, England |
| Education | University of Birmingham; Royal Academy of Music (MMus); PhD, University of Leeds |
| Profession | Broadcaster, Musicologist, Author, Baroque Flautist |
| Main Work Areas | Early music scholarship, BBC Radio 3 presenting, Public speaking |
| Current Roles | BBC Radio 3 Presenter, Author, Music Educator |
| Known For | The Early Music Show, BBC Proms coverage, Sir Henry Wood: Champion of J.S. Bach |
Education and Early Life
Academic Foundations in Music
Hannah French began her musical path in Yorkshire before pursuing formal studies at the University of Birmingham. There, she deepened her understanding of music theory and performance, setting the stage for her future specialisation. Her early academic choices reflected a strong interest in historical performance and Baroque repertoire.
After Birmingham, she moved to the Royal Academy of Music, where she earned her MMus in Baroque flute. This period solidified her expertise as a performer and introduced her to a network of leading musicians and scholars. Her education did not stop there—she went on to complete a PhD at the University of Leeds, focusing on Sir Henry Wood’s interpretation of Bach at the Proms.
Start of Career and Academic Work
Teaching and Performance
Hannah’s career began in academia, where she served as a lecturer and tutor at the Royal Academy of Music for over a decade. She also contributed as an external examiner at the University of Chichester, helping to shape music education standards.
Alongside teaching, Hannah performed with ensembles and led workshops, particularly in early music. Her work combined rigorous academic analysis with practical performance skills, giving her a unique perspective that she later brought to broadcasting.
Broadcasting Career
BBC Radio and Television Roles
Hannah French became widely recognised as a presenter on BBC Radio 3, hosting shows such as The Early Music Show, Breakfast, and Record Review Extra. Her warm, informative style quickly gained her a loyal audience. She is also a regular voice for live concert broadcasts from Wigmore Hall and other prestigious venues.
On television, Hannah has appeared as a commentator for the BBC Proms and contributed to music documentaries. Her ability to balance scholarly depth with engaging delivery has made her a valued figure in public broadcasting.
Writing and Publications
Scholarly Contributions and Public Engagement
Hannah is the author of Sir Henry Wood: Champion of J.S. Bach, a book that was praised for its deep research and engaging narrative. This work showcased her ability to present academic material in a way that appeals to a broad readership.
She is currently working on The Rolling Year: Listening to the Seasons with Vivaldi, scheduled for publication in 2025. This upcoming book is expected to blend music history with cultural commentary, further cementing her role as an accessible authority in classical music.
Advocacy and Advisory Roles
Championing Accessibility in the Arts
Beyond her professional work, Hannah serves on advisory boards, including Haringey Young Musicians, and is honorary president of the Leodis Consort. She was a founding trustee of the Continuo Foundation, which supports period-instrument ensembles.
Her advocacy for accessibility in the arts is informed by her own experiences, and she continues to speak publicly about the importance of inclusivity in cultural spaces. This combination of personal insight and professional expertise strengthens her influence as both a leader and a role model.
Latest Developments
Expanding Influence and Upcoming Projects
In March 2024, Hannah joined the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Advisory Council, taking part in decisions for prestigious awards like the RPS Gold Medal. This role reflects her growing influence in the wider music community.
Her upcoming book on Vivaldi represents the next phase of her career, promising to inspire both music lovers and fellow scholars. With these projects, Hannah is set to continue shaping the conversation around early music for years to come.
Legacy and Impact
A Lasting Contribution to Music Culture
Hannah French’s legacy lies in her ability to make classical music—especially Baroque repertoire—accessible, relevant, and inspiring. Through her broadcasting, teaching, and writing, she has created a body of work that engages both specialists and the general public.
Her combination of scholarship, performance, and media presence ensures that she will be remembered as a bridge between the academic and popular worlds of music. For many listeners and students, she has been a guiding voice, introducing them to new musical horizons.
Conclusion
Hannah French’s journey is one of dedication, versatility, and vision. From the concert stage to the radio studio, from lecture halls to literary festivals, she has built a career that blends artistry with communication. Her work demonstrates that music history is not just a subject for scholars—it is a living tradition that can inspire and unite people today.
With new projects on the horizon and ongoing influence in broadcasting, education, and advocacy, Hannah’s story continues to evolve. Her blend of passion, intellect, and resilience ensures that her voice will remain a key part of the classical music landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is Hannah French best known for?
She is best known as a BBC Radio 3 presenter, musicologist, and author with a focus on early music.
Q2: Which books has Hannah French written?
Her notable work is Sir Henry Wood: Champion of J.S. Bach, and she is working on The Rolling Year: Listening to the Seasons with Vivaldi.
Q3: What is her area of musical expertise?
She specialises in Baroque music, particularly performance practice and historical interpretation.
Q4: Has Hannah French performed professionally?
Yes, she is a trained Baroque flautist and has performed with various ensembles alongside her academic and broadcasting career.
Q5: What upcoming projects is she involved in?
She is set to release a book on Vivaldi in 2025 and continues her work with BBC Radio 3 and the Royal Philharmonic Society’s Advisory Council.
