WQXR Host Jeff Spurgeon to Retire in September

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 28, 2026 | 3:55pm CT

Jeff Spurgeon

WQXR/New York announced that longtime morning host Jeff Spurgeon will retire at the beginning of September, ending a nearly 30-year run at the station and a broadcasting career that has spanned almost five decades. Spurgeon joined WQXR in 1996 and will continue hosting the station's weekday morning program through the summer.

"What a wonderful adventure it has been to explore the world of classical music with the listeners of WQXR," Spurgeon said in a statement. "Now, after a long, rich season of 30 years at the station, it is time to conclude my part in that adventure."

Over the course of his tenure, Spurgeon became one of the most recognizable voices in classical radio, interviewing major figures in the music world and hosting a variety of station events and broadcasts, including "Carnegie Hall Live." His interviews featured artists such as Renee Fleming, Yannick Nezet-Seguin, and Andr¡s Schiff.

Eileen Delahunty, Head of WQXR, said Spurgeon has served as a daily companion to generations of listeners and helped build a strong community around the station through his conversational style, humor, and musical insight.

At the end of the summer, veteran broadcaster Paul Cavalconte will become interim weekday morning host. Cavalconte currently hosts weekend mornings on WQXR and has more than 40 years of radio experience, including previous work at former New York classical station WNCN and with the syndicated Classic FM UK service.

In addition to his WQXR duties, Cavalconte also hosts specialty programs on WFUV and WBGO.

WQXR Program Director Jenny Houser said Spurgeon's influence extended beyond the airwaves through his mentorship of staff members and contributions to the station's programming culture.

Later this summer, WQXR plans to honor Spurgeon's retirement with special on-air programming and online tributes featuring messages from listeners, artists, and colleagues.