Jeff Spurgeon
WQXR Host
Jeff Spurgeon (Marco Antonio)
Jeff Spurgeon has been the morning host of WQXR since 2006. He joined WQXR in 1997 and during his 30-year career in radio, Spurgeon has been an announcer, reporter, newscaster, interviewer and producer. In addition to hosting Around Broadway each Wednesday with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times, Spurgeon hosts remote broadcasts in New York City and internationally.
His New York radio career began when he joined Mix 105’s Morning Team in 1989. Spurgeon also taught and developed a course in broadcast journalism at Townsend Harris High School at Queens College in Flushing. Outside the station he has been a member of an a cappella quartet with a wide-ranging repertoire, and he continues to sing and play the piano for his own pleasure, though seldom for anyone else. Originally from western Nebraska, Spurgeon now lives in Brooklyn with his wife Judy.
Shows:
Jeff Spurgeon appears in the following:
At Steinway & Sons, Tradition is the Key
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Every day, the piano manufacturers at Steinway & Sons face an essential question: How to balance craftsmanship with making a profitable instrument. See how it happens in this video tour.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard on Coughs, Ringtones and Wrappers
Monday, April 23, 2012
On Monday, the French pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard spoke with WQXR’s Jeff Spurgeon about programming and the distractions a performer sometimes endures.
The Greene Space
An Evening With The Knights
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
7:00 PM
One of New York’s most innovative and acclaimed new chamber orchestras, The Knights conclude their stay as WQXR’s ensemble-in-residence with a live performance in The Greene Space.
Robert Sherman Remembered
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
For Disney fans, the world may seem a little smaller today. Jeff Spurgeon of WQXR joins us to discuss the legacy of the late Disney songwriter Robert Sherman.
Remembering Rudolf Firkušny, Pianist of Refinement and Warmth
Saturday, February 11, 2012
"When I hear recordings by pianist Rudolf Firkušny, whose was born on February 11, 1912, the word that comes to mind every time is 'warmth,'" writes Jeff Spurgeon.
Remembering Erich Leinsdorf's Impromptu Requiem for JFK
Saturday, February 04, 2012
The radio microphones were present at a Boston Symphony Orchestra concert at an extraordinary moment in American history.
A Maverick Organist Cuts Loose on a Christmas Standard
Monday, December 19, 2011
The flamboyant organist Cameron Carpenter offers us another example of his remarkable technical and musical skills in a new recording and video of “Sleigh Ride.”
The Greene Space
WQXR presents the Emerson String Quartet
Sunday, October 16, 2011
5:00 PM
The quartet celebrates its 35th anniversary this season and in this concert, they offer a sneak preview of their new all-Mozart disc.
The Greene Space
A Day With The Knights
Sunday, September 18, 2011
12:00 PM
WQXR’s Jeff Spurgeon hosts brunch and performance with ensemble-in-residence The Knights in The Greene Space. Their varied and riveting program includes Schubert’s beloved Octet, Ginastera’s Impressiones de la Puña and works by contemporary composers.
Animating Music: Carl Stalling's Golden Age
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
From 1936 to 1958, composer Carl Stalling wrote about 600 musical scores for Merrie Melodies and Looney Toons shorts. The arsenal at his command was impressive, including a 60-piece orchestra and his own encyclopedic knowledge of music history. Cartoons – and kids – were never the same. We discuss Stalling’s life and legacy with conductor George Daugherty of the “Bugs Bunny on Broadway” concerts. Plus: WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon highlights classical moments in Stalling’s work.
The Greene Space
Vixen on Varick
Sunday, June 12, 2011
4:30 PM
Join WQXR's Jeff Spurgeon in conversation with New York Philharmonic Music Director Alan Gilbert, director/designer Doug Fitch, and choreographer Karole Armitage about the New York Philharmonic's production of Janáček’s The Cunning Little Vixen.
Stagehands' Union Plans to Picket the Tony Awards
Friday, June 10, 2011
In this week's Arts File, Jeff Spurgeon speaks with New York Times theater reporter Patrick Healy about a spat between the stagehands' union and the producers of the Tony Awards.
Queen Reigns On
Monday, May 09, 2011
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of Queen – one of the most successful bands ever to come out of the UK. Today: Guest host Jeff Spurgeon of WQXR talks with the author of a new biography, "Is This The Real Life?: The Untold Story of Queen." Plus: The furry street musicians Xylopholks perform live in the studio.
When the Wedding March Goes Off Course
Monday, April 25, 2011
Jeff Spurgeon remembers a scandalous moment involving wedding music. Perhaps you’ve attended a wedding where the music choices came with a twist, or didn’t quite work out as planned. We'd like to hear about them.
Hélène Grimaud: Dances with Pianos and Wolves
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
As WQXR celebrates Powerhouse Pianists throughout January, we spotlight a pianist known to give the keyboard a workout. Hélène Grimaud is frequently admired for her enormous technical command and her keen musical curiosity.
The Greene Space
Thomas Hampson
Monday, January 10, 2011
7:00 PM
Fresh from an engagement with the New York Philharmonic, acclaimed baritone Thomas Hampson will head downtown for an intimate gathering in The Greene Space. He’ll perform songs by Gustav Mahler, Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann and some American composers.
Stand Up for Silent Night
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Jeff Spurgeon observes: "In how many churches this Christmas Eve will 'Silent Night' be the emotional climax of the service? This little carol is something very special."
Smackdown: White Christmas vs. Silent Night
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Some dream of a "White Christmas"...others prefer a "Silent Night." Jody Rosen of Slate.com and Rolling Stone debates WQXR host Jeff Spurgeon over which classic Christmas tune really puts the shine on Santa's shoes.
Audio Slideshow: Leonard Bernstein at Work
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Steve J. Sherman is a familiar face to concertgoers in New York, as the city's most prominent concert photographer. One of his most famous subjects was iconic conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein.
A Conversation with Simon Rattle
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Conductor Simon Rattle talks with Jeff Spurgeon about making his long-awaited Met Opera debut, his work with the Berlin Philharmonic, and why he learned to stop worrying and love The Nutcracker.
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