Radio 3 Controller announced as new BBC Proms director

He replaces Nicholas Kenyon, who is leaving his post after 11 years to become managing director at the Barbican.

Kenyon, also a former Controller of Radio 3, will be announcing his final programme for the Proms, one of the world's greatest music festivals, later this month.

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Radio 3 Controller Roger Wright has been appointed the new director of the BBC Proms

The new Proms chief will continue his current post as controller of classical and jazz radio station BBC Radio 3.

Wright said: "The BBC Proms has played a vital part in my musical upbringing and so I am thrilled to be taking on this new challenge."

BBC Audio and Music Director Jenny Abramsky, who appointed Mr Wright, said: "Roger is a brilliant Controller of Radio 3.

"I am delighted that he will bring his creativity to the BBC Proms. He will continue the work of Nicholas Kenyon who has been an inspired and innovative champion of the BBC Proms for 11 years."

Mr Wright has been Controller of Radio 3 since 1998 and is also responsible for the BBC Concert Orchestra, the BBC Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and BBC Singers.

He has introduced composer-focused seasons at Radio 3, such as The Beethoven Experience and most recently, The Tchaikovsky Experience.

He also pioneered The Ring In A Day, when the schedule was cleared for Wagner's entire 18-hour Ring cycle.

The BBC Proms enters its 113th season in July.