Monday - Friday at 7:00 pm
An expedition through the world of classical music.
Exploring Music takes listeners on an adventure through the world of classical music. Each five-episode series explores a single theme, revealing surprising connections among composers, cultures, history, and great works – from Shakespeare and music to the lives of iconic composers, from musical capitals like Paris and Venice to festivals, genres, and traditions from around the globe. Whether you're a devoted classical music fan or just beginning to explore, Exploring Music offers a welcoming place to learn, listen, and be inspired – one week, one theme, and one musical adventure at a time.
Hosted by Peter van de Graaff, Exploring Music welcomes a new chapter while continuing to feature encore episodes from founding host Bill McGlaughlin in selected weeks.
Bill’s Keepers
September 7, 2026
Bill kept a big box at home filled with albums from friends around the world. He shared some of his favorites on a program he called “his keepers”, saying these CDs were just too good to give away. We’ll listen to Mendelssohn performed by Itzhak Perlman, as well as pieces from flutist Robert Stallman’s CD, The Nightingale in Love.
Fit for a King
August 31, 2026
For centuries, the relationship between a King and his musical subjects has been intimate and deep. From Bach to Bridge, we will listen to this rich and intriguing world of the European court composer. Bill mentions this is listening to some glorious music and, in most cases, giving credit where credit is due to the people who commissioned these works. ...
Sound the Trumpets
August 24, 2026
The trumpet takes center stage this week on Exploring Music with host Peter van de Graaff. Its story stretches back thousands of years and spans many cultures. We’ll listen to the Shofar, a ram’s horn from biblical times, and the ancient trumpets found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. And we’ll savor the modern trumpet’s bright sound in music by Bach and Vivaldi, ...
Vaughan Williams, Ralph
September 14, 2026
Composer of nine masterful symphonies, editor of the English Hymnal, an ambulance driver in WWI, and great-nephew to Charles Darwin, Ralph Vaughan Williams was a prolific and intriguing figure who was at the vanguard of English music in the early 20th century. This week, we’ll look at his life and enjoy his music.
Darius Milhaud (1892-1974)
September 21, 2026
Darius Milhaud stands among history’s most prolific composers. His boundless curiosity drew him to cultures and sounds from every corner of the globe. His music is alive with inspiration and imagination. 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. Host Peter van de ...
A Guitar Fest
September 28, 2026
This week’s show was inspired by a listener who suggested we dedicate some time to Andrés Segovia. He wrote, “Of all musicians I have known, no one dominated the field as he did. Almost single-handedly, he converted the guitar from a plaything to a concert instrument. Several composers dedicated their works to him. An amazing artist and an unforgettable man.” ...
