For over 30 years, John Schaefer has been the go-to voice for many listeners in discovering the sounds of music in our world today. He joined WNYC in 1981 and hosted and produced the program “New Sounds”---hailed by Billboard as “The No. 1 radio show for the Global Village”---the “New Sounds Live” concert series, and the podcast “Soundcheck.”
Now he will host a new classical music program at WQXR, “The Furthermore.”
“I’ve always had a foot in the classical world---from classical segments on Soundcheck to hosting live radio broadcasts from the city’s great classical music halls for WNYC---so I’m excited to begin this new chapter,” Schaefer said in a statement. He will also serve as creative adviser of Q2 Music, WQXR’s contemporary classical music channel, and curate special events for Q2.
“The Furthermore” will air Saturdays at 9 p.m. beginning Jan. 21. “New Sounds” will continue every night at WNYC 93.3FM. In an interview with New Music Box, Schaefer recounted that the program started as a way to invite listeners “who perhaps grew up on rock music and were beginning to get bored with the same 3 chords and the same 3 artists on the radio to listen to something that might pique their curiosity.”
This new classical music channel will also be exploratory.
“I’ve always felt that if you like Bach, you might also like Björk’s choral music---if you had a chance to hear it. ‘The Furthermore’ will be about offering listeners those chances and forging connections through classical music,” Schaefer stated. He has written extensively about new music and world music, and his liner notes appear on over 100 recordings.
“I also look forward to extending that spirit to Q2 Music, which has been a vital platform for living composers, and presenting audiences with the best and brightest emerging talent.”
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated John Schaefer’s role at Q2 Music. He will serve as creative adviser.
