Classical Hugs has become a regular feature of the Breakfast program on ABC Classic: shortly after 8am each morning, listeners are treated to a piece of music specially chosen for its warm, encouraging, calming qualities.

With so many of us cut off from loved ones, ABC Classic is reaching out to music lovers across the country and around the world with this album of musical hugs: gentle, reassuring classical favourites that speak straight to the heart, no matter the miles or rules that may keep us apart.

This is music that puts its arm around us to offer sympathy and understanding, music that steadies us and cheers us, music full of contentment and hope.

With intimate piano music by Bach, Brahms and Chopin, luxuriant orchestral classics by Tchaikovsky, Vaughan Williams and Samuel Barber, choral gems by Fauré and Puccini, and featuring performances by Jayson Gillham, Karin Schaupp, Slava Grigoryan, Diana Doherty, Emily Sun, Sara Macliver, Gondwana Voices and some of Australia’s finest symphony orchestras, this is an album to bring comfort, inspiration and joy.