YourClassical names Valerie Kahler as new host of 'Performance Today'

ST. PAUL, Minn., June 5, 2025 – Today, American Public Media (APM) announces that following a national search, Valerie Kahler has been chosen as the next host of YourClassical’s Performance Today. Last July, APM announced Fred Child’s plans to step down from Performance Today in October 2025, 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 nationwide and features live concert recordings, highlights from new album releases, and in-studio performances and interviews. The show is based in St. Paul, Minnesota. 

Valerie Kahler comes to Performance Today as a familiar voice for the audience nationwide, as she currently serves as a host and producer for APM’s Classical 24 and has been a frequent guest host for Performance Today. She is also the longtime producer of APM’s New Classical Tracks and YourClassical Storytime podcasts.   

“I’m thrilled to step into the role of host for Performance Today, a show I’ve admired since my earliest days in radio for its smarts, charm, and talent for sharing classical music at its living, breathing, occasionally mischievous — and always excellent — best,” Kahler says. “I’m deeply honored to follow in the footsteps of broadcast legends and dear friends Fred Child and Martin Goldsmith, whose vision and voices brought the show to life and gave it its heart. I look forward to carrying their legacy with care and curiosity.” 

Kahler began her radio career in 1989 as a volunteer at KNAU (now Arizona Public Radio) in Flagstaff, Arizona, and worked as a classical music host and music director for over a decade before joining APM in 2001. In addition to her radio work, Kahler is an active musician, playing cello with two Minnesota orchestras and her chamber group, the Lochan Quartet. Kahler is also an avid singer and was a founding member of the Prairie Fire Choir (formerly Prairie Fire Lady Choir), where she arranged songs by artists such as Bonnie "Prince" Billy, The Magnetic Fields and Leonard Cohen for a cappella treble voices. 

“I’m thrilled for Performance Today, for our stations and listeners, that my talented friend Valerie Kahler will succeed me as host,” Child says. “Valerie is not just an accomplished radio host, a marvelous cellist, and a beautiful singer. She’s one of my all-time favorite storytellers. Her passion for music and her joy in connecting with audiences come through every time she’s present, in person or on radio. I wholeheartedly welcome Valerie Kahler as the next host of Performance Today.” 

Kahler will take over the mic as full-time host beginning in November 2025.  

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 Radio, Lullaby, 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 interfaces and live events. YourClassical MPR’s Kid’s Initiatives 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, over 2.3 million people listen to YourClassical. Learn more and listen at yourclassical.org.