Following the recent death of the much-loved Exploring Music presenter, Bill McGlaughlin, we wanted to share an update on the program's future.
As planned, Peter van de Graaff will begin presenting new Exploring Music programs, broadcast on 3MBS from Monday 31 August. Peter’s programs will air approximately once a month, with encore programs from Bill filling the weeks in between.
We know how much Bill and Exploring Music mean to our listeners, and we’re grateful we can continue to share his knowledge while welcoming Peter to the program.
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 traveller and linguist, Peter speaks Dutch, French, and German. Peter also continues in his long-time role as host of the Beethoven Network.