Longtime WQXR (105.9) morning host Jeff Spurgeon will retire at the beginning of September, ending a nearly 30-year run at New York’s classical music station and closing a radio career that has stretched across almost five decades.
Spurgeon, who joined the New York Public Radio-operated station in 1996, will continue hosting the station’s weekday morning program through the summer before stepping away from the microphone. During his tenure, he became one of the signature voices of the station and a familiar companion for generations of classical music listeners in New York and beyond.
“What a wonderful adventure it has been to explore the world of classical music with the listeners of WQXR,” Spurgeon said in the announcement. “Now, after a long, rich season of 30 years at the station, it is time to conclude my part in that adventure.”
He also thanked listeners, colleagues and station management for their support over the years, adding that he plans to remain both a listener and financial supporter of the station as WQXR approaches its 90th anniversary later this year.
Over the years, Spurgeon built a reputation for combining deep musical knowledge with an approachable on-air style that helped broaden classical music’s appeal. His weekday morning show became known for recurring features including “Morning Bach” and the “Know-It-All New Yorker” trivia segment, while his interviews regularly featured leading artists from the classical world and beyond.
Spurgeon also played a prominent role in many of the station’s live events and special broadcasts, including serving as co-host of “Carnegie Hall Live.” His interviews and broadcasts featured notable artists including pianist Sir András Schiff, soprano Renée Fleming and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin.
Head of WQXR Eileen Delahunty said Spurgeon’s connection with listeners extended far beyond the music itself.
“Jeff has been the weekday morning companion for generations of WQXR listeners,” Delahunty said. “He’s often the first voice in someone’s day and the soundtrack to their morning routines. Through his humor, insight and warmth he has connected a vibrant community of classical music lovers.”
Spurgeon is expected to remain active in several station events before his departure, including live summer broadcasts from Carnegie Hall and the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.
Following Spurgeon’s retirement, veteran New York broadcaster Paul Cavalconte will assume the role of interim weekday morning host. Cavalconte currently hosts weekend mornings on the station and brings more than 40 years of radio experience to the position, including previous work at former New York classical outlet WNCN and with the nationally syndicated Classic FM UK network.
In addition to his WQXR duties, Cavalconte will continue hosting “Cavalcade” on Fordham University adult alternative WFUV (90.7) and “New Standards” on Newark Public Radio “Jazz 88” WBGO.
WQXR Program Director Jenny Houser said Spurgeon’s impact at the station extended beyond the air studio, citing his mentorship of staff and younger broadcasters.
“His remarkable gifts and unwavering excellence as a broadcaster are matched by his kindness, collaborative spirit and incredible sense of humor,” Houser said. “Though we’ll miss Jeff’s voice on the airwaves, I’m excited for our weekday morning listeners to spend more time with Paul.”
WQXR said it plans to honor Spurgeon later this summer with special on-air programming and online tributes featuring messages from listeners, artists and colleagues. Additional details are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.