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.
Gustav Mahler, Part 1 (1860-1911)
October 12, 2026
An Austrian composer who thought, “A symphony should be like the world: it must embrace everything.” With his ten-plus symphonies, Mahler’s world extended horizons beyond anything known to concert audiences. His vision stretched the boundaries of the orchestra, of the symphonic form, and even this radio show! Join us for two full weeks on the symphonies of Gustav Mahler.
Les Cinq Plus
October 5, 2026
This week’s theme: French composers from the generation before Les Six (Poulenc, Milhaud, Honegger, et al), and we are fondly calling our composers Les Cinq Plus. Like Les Six, our composers did not have a great deal in common, and the way they have been grouped is a historical accident — artists who happened to inhabit a particular locale at ...
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.” ...
Gustav Mahler, Part 2 (1860-1911)
October 19, 2026
For a second week, we continue with the life and works of Gustav Mahler. This week features Kindertotenlieder sung by Kathleen Ferrier; Symphony of a Thousand; and tenor Fritz Wunderlich singing “The Drinking Song of the Earth’s Sorrow” from Das Lied von der Erde. This is to name just a few highlights- you don’t want to miss this week!
Peter’s Picks
October 26, 2026
Hello, I’m Peter van de Graaff. Since I’m new to the Exploring Music journey, I thought it would be fun to share some of my musical favorites. We’ll wander the continents and the ages, sampling everything from Bach to Bax, Purcell to Piston, and a few less-known works along the way.