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5 Seismic Shifts Rocking All Classical Radio Portland Oregon In 2025 (New CEO, New Home, And More)

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The landscape of Portland, Oregon's classical music scene is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades. As of late 2025, All Classical Radio, formerly known as All Classical Portland, is not just celebrating its enduring legacy as a non-commercial, public radio beacon, but is actively reshaping its future with a series of major, high-impact changes. These developments—from a landmark physical relocation to a monumental leadership transition—ensure the station remains a vital cultural anchor in the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

The station, broadcasting on 89.9 KQAC FM, has been a constant source of fine arts information and classical music programming since its establishment in 1983. However, the period between 2024 and 2026 marks a decisive new chapter, focusing on innovation, community inclusivity, and expanded reach. Here are the five seismic shifts that are redefining All Classical Radio for a new generation of listeners.

The New Era: Key Personnel and Institutional Biography

All Classical Radio is more than just a frequency; it is a public media institution built on the dedication of its hosts, staff, and leadership. The biggest news in late 2025 and into 2026 centers on a major change in the executive suite, signaling a fresh vision for the future.

The Fred Child Succession and Leadership Profile

In a historic move, Fred Child, one of the most recognizable voices in American classical music, was named the station’s next President and CEO. Child, a Portland native who has spent years as the genial host of the nationally syndicated *Performance Today*—the most-listened-to classical music radio show in America—is set to take the helm beginning January 2, 2026.

His appointment follows the successful tenure of Suzanne Nance, the outgoing President & CEO, who spearheaded the station's major growth and relocation campaign. Child's return to his hometown community is seen as a powerful endorsement of All Classical Radio’s commitment to both local roots and national excellence in arts broadcasting.

Notable Program Hosts and Key Staff

The station’s sound is defined by its talented on-air staff, who curate the daily listening experience. These individuals are central to the station’s identity and its connection to the arts community:

  • Fred Child: Incoming President/CEO and long-time host of *Performance Today*.
  • Andrea Murray: Host of the late-night program *Club Mod*, which explores modern and contemporary classical music, showcasing a commitment to diverse programming.
  • Dylan Bodnarik: Host of the long-running *Met Opera* broadcasts, which brings the world's most famous opera house performances to the Portland airwaves every Saturday.
  • John Pitman: Program Director, responsible for curating the station's overall sound and special seasonal programming like the annual *Festival of Carols*.

1. The Landmark Relocation to KOIN Tower in Downtown Portland

The most visible sign of All Classical Radio’s transformation is its move to a state-of-the-art facility in the KOIN Tower in downtown Portland. This move, which was completed in early 2024, marks a significant upgrade from its previous location near the Tilikum Crossing in Southeast Portland.

This strategic relocation places the station directly in the heart of Portland's cultural district, in close proximity to major arts organizations like the Oregon Symphony and Portland Opera. The new headquarters, a key part of the station’s capital campaign, is designed to be a modern hub for broadcasting, recording, and community engagement, solidifying its role as a premier public radio entity.

2. A Renewed Focus on Inclusivity and Diverse Composers

All Classical Radio is actively working to reflect the diversity of the global and local classical music world. Two major initiatives highlight this commitment, generating significant topical authority for the station in the realm of modern classical music broadcasting.

The Recording Inclusivity Initiative (RII)

The RII is a groundbreaking project created in collaboration with other public radio stations to address historical underrepresentation in classical music. The initiative commissions and professionally records works by composers from underrepresented communities—including women, people of color, and other marginalized groups—and ensures their works are broadcast to a wide audience. This commitment to contemporary artists and diverse voices is a powerful statement about the future of the genre.

The International Children's Arts Network (ICAN)

Launched in 2019, the International Children's Arts Network (ICAN) operates as a 24-hour HD-2 channel under the All Classical Radio umbrella. ICAN is a unique, dedicated HD radio service designed for children, families, caregivers, and educators. It provides high-quality arts and music programming, fostering the next generation of classical music enthusiasts and arts patrons. This innovative approach to arts and culture education has made it one of the few services of its kind in the nation.

3. Expanding Regional and Digital Reach

While the station is rooted in Portland, its reach extends far across the Pacific Northwest and globally via its free world-wide stream. The station’s signal is not confined to the 89.9 KQAC FM frequency in Portland; it also serves other regions, including 95.7 FM in Corvallis/Flynn.

The recent rebranding from "All Classical Portland" to the more inclusive "All Classical Radio" reflects this broader mission. The new minimalist 'C' logo, designed to evoke musical sound waves and community, symbolizes this shift from a purely local entity to a regional and digital powerhouse in non-commercial broadcasting.

4. Deepening Ties to the Portland Arts Community

All Classical Radio is a crucial Arts Partner, providing essential media support for the vast network of cultural organizations in the city. The station's Cultural Events Calendar serves as a centralized resource for listeners to find the best music, art, and culture events happening across the city.

Furthermore, the *Artist Anthology* program regularly profiles trailblazing contemporary artists from Portland and the wider region, ensuring that local talent is given a platform. This symbiotic relationship with the Portland's cultural landscape ensures the station is an active participant, not just a passive broadcaster, in the city's artistic life.

5. Innovative and Consistent Programming Highlights

The core of the station remains its expertly curated classical music programming. Beyond the daily rotation, several dedicated programs maintain high listener engagement:

  • *New at Noon:* A daily segment showcasing new releases and lesser-known works.
  • *Northwest* Programming: Dedicated slots that spotlight composers and performers from the Pacific Northwest region.
  • *Thursdays at Three:* A popular weekly feature that often includes live performances or in-depth interviews with prominent musicians and composers.
  • *Festival of Carols:* A cherished annual tradition, where Program Director John Pitman curates four days of seasonal music from around the world.

The combination of a world-class new headquarters in the KOIN Tower, the visionary leadership of Fred Child, and a clear commitment to Recording Inclusivity and youth education through ICAN positions All Classical Radio for continued success. The station remains a vital, dynamic, and forward-thinking entity, dedicated to advancing the knowledge and appreciation of classical music in the Pacific Northwest and globally.

5 Seismic Shifts Rocking All Classical Radio Portland Oregon in 2025 (New CEO, New Home, and More)
all classical fm radio portland oregon
all classical fm radio portland oregon

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