ST. PAUL, Minn., Sept. 24, 2026 — YourClassical MPR today has announced that veteran public radio host Steve Seel will serve as the next host of YourClassical MPR’s Morning Show beginning on October 5. Seel will take the helm from John Birge, who retired from the host chair in August of this year.
Seel brings more than three decades of experience as a public media host and producer. A familiar voice to YourClassical audiences, Seel currently hosts Sunday through Tuesday evening classical music and the national concert program SymphonyCast, produces and hosts regional concert broadcasts with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and has been a regular fill-in host for YourClassical MPR.
“We’re thrilled Steve Seel will move into the morning drive chair at YourClassical MPR!” said Julie Amacher, programming director at YourClassical MPR. “Steve weaves his in-depth knowledge of the music and our arts community together with his delightful sense of wit and awareness of what’s going on in our world today. That approach makes classical music relevant for our listeners every day.”
Seel began his career in public media working shifts at his hometown station of WUSF-FM in Tampa, Florida, and from there worked his way to Buffalo, New York, where he hosted at the renowned classical station WNED-FM. Seel moved to Minnesota in 1999 to become a weekend and overnight host for American Public Media’s YourClassical.
When The Current launched in 2005, Seel was one of the station’s founding voices and served as midday host before becoming a co-host of The Morning Show alongside Jill Riley in 2009. In 2015, he returned to YourClassical, where he’s served as an evening host and as host of Extra Eclectic.
“I'm honored to be taking over the chair for my good friend and colleague John Birge in the mornings on Your Classical MPR,” said Seel. “While John is in no way replaceable, I promise to bring listeners all of this wonderful music with the same amount of love, and a little humor, too. I can't wait to get started.”
As part of Seel’s transition to the YourClassical MPR host chair, Extra Eclectic will have its last show on September 28. He will continue to host SymphonyCast each weekend. Seel will be heard on YourClassical MPR starting Oct. 5 from 6 – 10 a.m. Mondays – Fridays.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.