KPR’s classical music lovers will have a new voice bringing them Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. Michael Keelan has been named Classical Music Director and morning host at Kansas Public Radio.
Keelan comes to Lawrence from Nebraska where he’s been an announcer and host of Nebraska Concerts for NET Radio, professor of strings at Concordia University and a member of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra. He is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace Conservatory and University of Maryland-College Park. Prior to returning to Lincoln, his hometown, he was a violin teacher at Wausau Conservatory in Wisconsin and concertmaster of the Green Bay Symphony for seven years.
“I have been interested in radio since volunteering to sight-read the audition for WCLV Cleveland in front of my college assembly. There's nothing like starting with the toughest crowd,” Keelan said. “It's a privilege to join such a respected station and be able to share classical music with listeners every day.
“The area is clearly culturally rich, and I hope to get to know all the great musical organizations. I'm eager to talk with visiting artists as they pass through the area, especially as I've seen former performance colleagues as past guests.”
KPR program director Darrell Brogdon is confident that listeners will warm to Keelan quickly.
“Michael has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of classical music, with a desire to share his knowledge and enthusiasm with listeners,” Brogdon said. “We look forward to him joining our team at Kansas Public Radio.”
