American singer and radio personality Peter van de Graaff surrounds himself with music, whether it is singing with his wife, Kathleen, or hosting for KWAX at the University of Oregon or Beethoven Satellite Network.
“Two things are a constant in my life: concert attendance and listening to recorded music. Whenever I’m engaged in either activity I’m always thinking about what I could share with listeners, be it on the air or in a concert setting,” Peter says.
Meeting Goals
Peter got his start in radio while attending Brigham Young University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Vocal Performance. While there, he began working as an announcer on KBYU-FM, the university’s classical-music FM radio station.
However, he credits his youth in Chicago for his career path.
“I was very fortunate to have grown up in an area in Chicago, which offered me every opportunity to experience the arts. I can tell you that I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing if it hadn’t been for the amazing teachers and mentors I had in my youth,” Peter says.
Peter says when he started his radio and singing career, he had a few goals: to host a nationally syndicated show, to sing professionally in Europe, and to work for WFMT in Chicago.
“I have been very grateful to have been able to accomplish all of these,” Peter says.
As a broadcaster and singer, Peter’s health has always been a priority, as he would have nothing without his voice. He is an avid cyclist and sleep is inordinately important in his life.
“I get my best ideas in two places: while I’m biking or while listening to music in concert or at home,” Peter says. “Also, my wife jokes that she is the second most important thing to me after sleep.”
In addition to KWAX, Peter and his wife Kathleen have been working on a project for the past 20+ years: the revival of a forgotten operatic art form called intermezzi. These are comic chamber operas that were very popular in the early 18th century, generally scored for two singers and strings. The couple have been to the libraries all over Europe, many times digging these up then performing them. They are now working on preparing several for publication so that others can also enjoy and perform them.
“It has been a real labor of love for us,” Peter says.
For Oregon Bach Festival, Peter will be hosting two “Let’s Talk!” events: Friday, July 5, with Mobility International USA Founder Susan Sygall, and Saturday, July 13, with University of Oregon music theorist Stephen Rodgers.
Peter and Kathleen, along with OBF and KWAX, will also be leading tourists on an extraordinary musical journey through Germany’s most beautiful cities during In The Footsteps of Great Composers from October 27 to November 7.
The Future of Music
The most frightening thing that Peter sees for the future of classical music is the loss of exposure and education in the schools.
“If we can share with young people the wonders and beauties of the classical world, then I think we have a chance. Early education is the key,” he says.
Peter and Kathleen have given countless performances in inner-city schools of the comic baroque chamber operas (intermezzi), hoping that someday they will remember having had a positive and fun experience with great art and music. Also, for the last seven years, the couple have been heavily involved with a program called Pathway, which helps young people prepare for and get into college.
“We love working with youth and particularly to help them get an education,” he says.
Peter recommends creating a unique niche: Do something differently than has been done before, do it very well, and that might get you some opportunities and notice.
“I remember hearing that Elisabeth Schwarzkopf once told a singer something like: if she didn’t have to sing, then she should get out of the business. I do what I do because I can’t not do it. The drive to share music is just overwhelming,” Peter adds.
Explore more deeply enriching events at OBF 2019.