Pat Alexander

Classical 88.7 features a stellar collection of music from throughout the ages, presented by hosts with backgrounds deeply rooted in the music of the masters. Program hosts include Pat Alexander, Steve Blatt, Dan Drayer, David Rutherford, Charlie Samson, Monika Vischer, and Stephanie Wendt. Our overnight host is Peter Van De Graaff.

Steve Blatt

Steve was listening to classical music even before he was born. His father was a composer and pianist, as well as assistant conductor at the Metropolitan Opera, so music was everywhere in their New York home. Growing up in Ann Arbor, he played violin and guitar. Following graduation from the University of Michigan, he began his career in classical radio with KVOD in Denver. During 12 years there, Steve was a music host, writer, producer and sales manager.

Dan Drayer

A public radio veteran since 1988, Dan Drayer joined KCFR in 1995 as local host of NPR's "All Things Considered," filing local reports and interviews for CPR and NPR, including breaking and feature reports during the Columbine High School shootings. In 2001, he became host and executive producer of KCFR's new interview show, "Colorado Matters." In 2005, he joined NPR's newscast unit in Washington, DC, then moved to California as host of KQED's statewide daily news magazine, "The California Report." Most recently, Drayer produced a series of features on the Aspen Music Festival for the Classical Public Radio Network, heard on KVOD. Among numerous broadcasting honors, Drayer has received two Headliner awards and an Edward R. Murrow Award.

David Rutherford

David has been involved in many aspects of music - performing, teaching, conducting and broadcasting. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado, with degrees in Double Bass Performance and Music Education. At UNC, while playing in six orchestras and announcing on KUNC, he managed to become the first - and to this day, the only - double bassist to win the music department's annual solo competition.

David has taught public school orchestra programs in Nevada, Wyoming and Idaho. During his tenure in Wyoming, David's orchestra program was featured on the NBC Nightly News, and he was selected as a National Teacher Fellow in conducting with the National Symphony Orchestra at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. 

In 1997, David founded the Snake River Chamber Orchestra and served as its musical director for its first four years. Most recently, David was Director of Orchestral Studies and Music Education at Colorado Christian University. He is currently Associate Conductor of the Musica Sacra Chamber Orchestra, as well as Assistant Principal Bass in the Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition to music, David enjoys spending time in the mountains with his family.

Charlie Samsom

Charley's radio career began at station KADX in Denver, and he spent 19 years at classical music station KVOD. Charley has written program notes for dozens of orchestras nationwide, including the Colorado Symphony and the Denver Young Artists Orchestra, and he serves as host for performances of the Arapahoe Philharmonic and the Denver Brass. Since 1990 he has been the pronouncer for the Colorado State Spelling Bee finals. Charley received his BA in English from Regis College and his Master's Degree in Music History from the University of Northern Colorado.

Monika Vischer

Monika began her announcing career in 1986 at KUNC at the University or Northern Colorado, where she hosted music and NPR news magazines. A flutist and singer, Monika has presented workshops in the U.S. and Canada with UNC's Axidentals and the Grammy-nominated group, Vocal Jazz I. Monika graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications.

Stephanie Wendt

Stephanie Wendt is accomplished as a performer, writer and radio producer and announcer. Born in New Zealand, Stephanie began her piano studies at the age of five. She went on to earn degrees in piano performance from The Curtis institute of Music and Indiana University, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota, studying with illustrious teachers including Jorge Bolet, Gary Graffman and Enrica Caballo-Gulli. Winner of numerous competitions, she has performed as chamber musician and soloist on five continents, in venues ranging from Avery Fisher Hall in New York to a maximum-security prison.

Stephanie has held teaching positions at the University of Indianapolis, Bethel College in St. Paul, and the University of Minnesota. On the radio, she has worked as a producer and host for Minnesota Public Radio and WCAL. In 2003, Stephanie launched her one-woman play about Clara Schumann, Clara's Visitor, and received the 2003-2004 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Performing Musicians.

Peter Van De Graaff

Peter draws music selections from all eras, but focus on works from the Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods. All selections are programmed from a record library of over 75,000 records and CD's, focusing on the standards of the repertoire, but also drawing from the rich and varied music that comprises all of what is call "classical music."

Peter Van De Graaff started his radio career at KBYU-FM in Provo, Utah, where he was an announcer and senior producer for three years following his graduation from Brigham Young University with a degree in vocal performance. As a professional singer, Peter has performed with opera companies and orchestras throughout the world, including the Czech State Orchestra and the symphonies of New Orleans, Utah, Colorado Springs and San Antonio. He has performed with opera companies in Rochester, New York, Milwaukee, Chicago and Boise.