WQXR announced that weekday morning host Jeff Spurgeon will retire at the beginning of September 2026.

Spurgeon, whose career spans five decades, joined WQXR in 1996 and will continue hosting through the summer, including live broadcasts in July from Carnegie Hall and the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.

Paul Cavalconte, currently the station’s weekend morning host and a veteran of more than forty years in New York radio, will step in as interim weekday morning host when Spurgeon departs. Cavalconte’s background includes time at the former classical station WNCN and work with the national syndication of Classic FM UK. He will continue to host his weekend specialty programs “Cavalcade” on WFUV and “New Standards” on WBGO, alongside his new WQXR responsibilities.

Over his three decades at the station, Spurgeon built a reputation as one of classical radio’s most trusted voices, conducting interviews with artists including pianist András Schiff, soprano Renée Fleming, and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. He has served as co-host of Carnegie Hall Live and has been a consistent presence at the station’s major live events and broadcasts.

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

Later this summer, the station will mark his retirement with special on-air programming and online features.