BBC Radio star Sir Humphrey Burton has sadly died aged 94. The Radio 3 star, who was a popular broadcaster, author and director died peacefully at home today, Wednesday December 17.

In a statement, his family said: “He was deeply loved by his children and grandchildren, and his commitment to spreading the joy of classical music was so inspiring." It continued: “He will be missed beyond words. We take comfort in knowing he is now at peace.”

Taking to social media, his daughter, Clare shared a photo of herself and her father, writing: "It is with great sadness that I report the passing of my father, Sir Humphrey Burton 25.3.31-17.12.25 at 05:15 this morning at home with family by his side. A huge influence on several generations of arts programme makers, he will be missed beyond words."

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Sir Humphrey, who presented on Classic FM as well as BBC Omnibus and In Performance in the 70s and 80s, founded the BBC’s Young Musician of the Year award which helped to grow young talent.

Paying tribute to the broadcaster, who was born in 1931 in Trowbridge and knighted in 2020 for his services to classical music and the arts, Classic FM said Burton had “helped shape a golden age of classical music on television and radio”.

The star, who studied music and history at Fitzwilliam House, Cambridge before joining BBC Radio as a trainee studio manager in 1955, helped with programmes on Leonard Bernstein and Yehudi Menuheim.

These shows, Classic FM said, “introduced multiple generations to classical music with the trademark enthusiasm that made his name synonymous with arts broadcasting” said the station in a tribute.

His programme, Burnstein on Beethoven: A Celebration in Vienna won an Emmy Award in 1972 and he went onto win again in 1988 for the Great Performances episode Celebrating Gershwin.

Sam Jackson, the controller of BBC Radio 3 and BBC Proms said he was fortunate to work with Sir Humphrey and described him as a “a man so full of grace, warmth, and brilliant anecdotes.”

In a tribute on X, Radio 3 said: "We are incredibly sad to hear that Sir Humphrey Burton has passed away at the age of 94. He was a much loved classical music broadcaster and had a huge influence on generations of arts programme makers. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Meanwhile, the Royal Philharmonic Society said the broadcaster's renowned work set a “gold-standard” which engaged millions with music.

“Few have done so much to proclaim classical music’s wonders” it added.