How to open a URL without launching a new safari tab? I would like to write a script (AppleScript or shell script) to open a URL such as

https://itunes.apple.com/ca/station/beats-1/idra.978194965


which then launches iTunes and play a radio station. 

The problem is that all the commands I found will first open a Safari tab and then redirect to iTunes for the playback. 

Is there a way to not have an empty Safari tab/window left after launching this URL?
Replace your link with this one:

itms://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRadioStation?id=ra.978194965


You can open it without open your safari. Of course, only works with iTunes installed.