Fred Child to Step Down from Performance Today® After 25 Years

Jul 23, 2024

Child set to complete his tenure in October 2025 from the most-heard classical music show in America 

ST. PAUL, MINN. July 23, 2024 – American Public Media today announces Fred Child will step down in October 2025 from his position as Host and Senior Editor of YourClassical’s Performance Today®, completing a 25-year run as host of America’s most popular classical music radio show. 

Performance Today, winner of the 2014 Gabriel Award for artistic achievement, is broadcast on hundreds of public radio stations across the country and features live concert recordings, highlights from new album releases, and in-studio performances and interviews. The show is based at the APM studios in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is frequently on the road, with special programs broadcast from festivals and public radio stations around the country. 

In addition to hosting Performance Today, Child was the Emmy-winning commentator and announcer for the PBS program Live From Lincoln Center and has hosted many live national concert broadcasts. His music reviews and commentary have appeared on NPR, the BBC and Billboard magazine. He continues to host musical events on stages around the country, working with major orchestras and festivals and connecting with audiences coast to coast. 

“It’s been the greatest joy of my working life to share music, stories, conversations, and ideas with audiences around the country for a quarter of a century. I will dearly miss our daily meeting in the virtual space we all create together in our hearts and imaginations, via radio and streaming. But after 25 years, I feel I have accomplished far more than I could have imagined, connecting music-makers with music-lovers in service of this wondrous art form we call classical music. I’m ready to step away from this platform, and to heartily welcome new voices and talent who will carry this work forward. My deepest thanks to the entire APM and YourClassical team. Hugs and thanks to every member of the Performance Today team, past and present. And special thanks to every station that has entrusted their airtime to me, and to every listener I’ve connected with through our shared love of music,” Child said. 

“For 25 years, Fred Child has been the voice of classical music in America. We have the deepest gratitude and admiration for Fred and his talents for connecting with listeners worldwide. We will work with Fred to ensure his legacy with Performance Today is honored and that he has a fantastic final year hosting for us,” said Liwanag Ojala, Chief Transformation Officer at American Public Media Group and brand leader for YourClassical.  

“Fred’s distinctive style has guided and enthralled audiences far and wide blending his genuine passion for classical music with eloquence, knowledge and insightful commentary. We’re mutually excited for the next chapter of Performance Today and we’re working on next steps.” 

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About YourClassical 
YourClassical® is a collection of curated classical music listening experiences and information produced by Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media Group. YourClassical provides audiences with the music they love through terrestrial broadcasts and multiple web-based platforms. Nationally syndicated YourClassical programs include Pipedreams®, SymphonyCast®, Composers Datebook® and Performance Today®, and are in addition to the YourClassical Radio, Sleep, Relax, Peaceful Piano, and Holiday audio streams that can be found at YourClassical.org. Regional music programming produced by YourClassical MPR®, is a trusted companion for listeners across Minnesota on broadcast radio, web, and live events. YourClassical MPR’s Class Notes program strives to inspire the next generation of music fans and artists through in-school learning experiences, educational content, and resources for teachers and parents. Each week, nearly 3 million people engage with YourClassical. Learn more and listen at yourclassical.org.