CHICAGO – July 15, 2026 – As Exploring Music enters its 22nd year, a new chapter continues this fall for the popular and enduring classical music program produced by and presented on WFMT, Chicago’s classical music radio station, and internationally syndicated through the WFMT Radio Network. Beginning the week of August 24, 2026, broadcaster, singer, and educator Peter van de Graaff becomes the new host of Exploring Music, bringing his warm presence, deep musical knowledge, and decades of radio experience to one of classical music’s most respected radio programs.
Exploring Music invites listeners of all ages to discover deeper connections in classical music. Each weekly five-episode arc focuses on a single theme and uses engaging storytelling to foster understanding and appreciation of the art form.
Peter van de Graaff has enjoyed a distinguished four-decade radio career, including 38 years as host of WFMT’s nationally syndicated Beethoven Network. A native of the Chicago area, Peter began his radio career in 1984 at Brigham Young University, shortly before graduating with a degree in vocal performance. Since joining WFMT in 1988, he has served as a staff announcer and host for major nationally distributed programs, including broadcasts from the Lyric Opera of Chicago, the Vienna Philharmonic, the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, operas from the European Broadcasting Union, and Music of the Baroque. In 2010, he received the Karl Haas Prize for Music Education. A bass-baritone, Peter has performed with leading orchestras and opera companies worldwide, including the Chicago Symphony, Utah Symphony, Houston Symphony, Israeli Chamber Orchestra, Costa Rica International Music Festival, Budapest Concert Orchestra, and Czech Philharmonic. An avid traveler and linguist, Peter speaks Dutch, French, and German. Peter also continues in his long-time role as host of the Beethoven Network.
“Exploring Music has a matchless history of creating deep and meaningful connections to classical music for listeners around the world,” said Roger Wight, WFMT Head of Programming and Operations. “As we usher Exploring Music into a new era, Peter brings his warm and engaging presence to that legacy, along with a lifetime of musical knowledge.”
“I’ve been listening to Exploring Music since it began, and it’s an honor to step into the role of host,” said Peter van de Graaff. “This program has inspired curiosity and joy for listeners everywhere, and I’m excited to guide audiences through new musical adventures.”
Exploring Music continues in its signature format: a daily one-hour program with a different musical theme each week.
Highlights from Peter van de Graaff’s inaugural season include:
Week of August 24, 2026
Sound the Trumpets
The trumpet takes center stage this week on Exploring Music. Its story stretches back thousands of years and spans many cultures. Listeners will hear the Shofar, a ram’s horn from biblical times, and the ancient trumpets found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. The week also celebrates the modern trumpet’s brilliant voice in music by Bach and Vivaldi and in the rich symphonic worlds of Mahler, Ravel, and Stravinsky.
Week of September 21, 2026
Darius Milhaud (1892-1974)
Darius Milhaud stands among history’s most prolific composers. His boundless curiosity drew him to cultures and sounds from every corner of the globe. Born in southern France, he traveled to Brazil and later to California, where he taught young musicians including Burt Bacharach, Dave Brubeck, and William Bolcom. Peter explores the vibrant, imaginative musical world of one of the twentieth century’s most distinctive voices.
Week of October 26, 2026
Peter’s Picks
Get to know Peter van de Graaff through a wide-ranging collection of personal favorites and memorable discoveries from his musical life. From Bach to Bax, Purcell to Piston, listeners will enjoy familiar masterpieces alongside fascinating lesser-known gems from across centuries and continents.
Week of November 23, 2026
The Boston Six
At the dawn of the twentieth century, a small circle of New England composers helped forge a distinctly American musical voice: John Knowles Paine, Arthur Foote, George Chadwick, Amy Beach, Edward MacDowell, and Horatio Parker. With Peter as our guide, we’ll explore these composers’ training in Boston and Europe and hear how their music shaped what would become “the American Sound.”
Week of December 21, 2026
We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Celebrate the musical magic of the holiday season with Peter van de Graaff. The week begins in America with Bruce Saylor’s Spiritual Medley, travels to Russia for Tchaikovsky’s Waltz of the Snowflakes, and visits England for Gustav Holst’s In the Bleak Midwinter and Lewis Carroll’s Christmas Greeting. Sacred and secular favorites abound in this festive week of music.
For more than two decades, Exploring Music has been a cornerstone of classical radio – a treasured presence that inspires curiosity and delight. Beginning this season, Peter van de Graaff is the host of new episodes of Exploring Music. During select weeks, listeners will also hear encore episodes featuring founding host Bill McGlaughlin.
Exploring Music is a production of WFMT in Chicago and is produced by Cydne Gillard.
Exploring Music is made possible by the generous support of the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; Helen Zell; the Earl and Brenda Shapiro Family; Mr. and Mrs. William G. Brown; Eugene Jarvis and Sasha Gerritson; the Julian Family Foundation; and the generous support of WFMT members.
WFMT is one of the world’s most respected classical music radio stations, accessible via broadcast at 98.7FM, streaming live at wfmt.com, and on the WFMT app. Recognized for trusted hosted programming, immersive live performances and concerts, strong partnerships with community organizations and championing young, local musicians and access to the arts, WFMT spotlights inspiring music, musicians, and musical performances from Chicago and around the world including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, Lyric Opera of Chicago, the New York Philharmonic, and many more. Connect with WFMT on Facebook and X.
