Classic 107.3’s Story!

Thank you for Keeping Classic 107.3 on the air! 

Broadcasting the best in classical music (as well as jazz, opera, show tunes, and more), conducting interviews with local artists and arts organizations, and amplifying the arts community in St. Louis for the past decade has taken the combined efforts of our staff, our board, our arts partners, and you, our listeners and supporters.


Since 2013, Classic 107.3 has been a home for the St. Louis arts community to unite and flourish. From producing unique local programs like The Slatkin Shuffle and Bach & Beyoncé to hosting special events like Careers in the Arts, Classical Cocktails, and our Beat Beethoven 5K, our story is filled with memorable moments, featuring talented artists across many genres.

On behalf of our board, our CEO Julie Schuster, hosts Tom Sudholt, Kathy Lawton Brown, and Gavriel Savit, and staff members, we thank you for inviting us into your lives through the airwaves and being a part of our history. May each passing year be one of many more to come. Cheers!


Classic 107.3 History

Noémi and Michael Neidorff and other local supporters of the arts begin planning the station’s vision

The Radio Arts Foundation is registered as a nonprofit

Funds are raised to start the first local radio station to support the arts

Jim Connett begins serving as General Manager

The Board hires on-air hosts Jim Doyle, Kathy Lawton Brown, and Tom Sudholt, as well as producer Brandon LaMew

Classic 107.3 goes live on April 8, 2013 with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

Somethin’ Else with Calvin Wilson debuts

Re-choired Listening with Philip Barnes debuts

Julie Schuster joins the station as a volunteer host

Named to the A-List in St. Louis Magazine

Received Great Music Award from Cathedral Concerts

First live broadcast concert with Denise Thimes

Careers in the Arts panel series events are held

Kaleidoscope Concert is held, featuring pianist Jerry Chang

The station rebrands itself as Classic 107.3

The Slatkin Shuffle debuts

Musical Ancestries™ educational series debuts, sponsored by PNC Arts Alive

Diary of a Musician with Leon Burke, Bach & Beyoncé with Maria A. Ellis, and Tango with Cally debut

Station of the Year runner-up from Missouri Broadcasters Association, plus 3 more awards

Pandemic impacts arts community; Classic 107.3 remains on the air 24/7

Aisle Seat with Julie Schuster debuts

Classic 107.3 begins simulcasting St. Louis Symphony Orchestra concerts live

Named Arts Collaborator of the Year by the Arts and Education Council

Julie Schuster named CEO & General Manager

Gavriel Savit joins the station as Morning Host

American Gospel with Maria A. Ellis debuts

Classic 107.3 Celebrates 10th Anniversary! May this major milestone be one of many more to come.

4 responses to “History”

  1. Kati Johnson Avatar
    Kati Johnson

    I was devastated when the original Classic 99 went off the air. That station got me through high school and I was looking forward to it being there with me at university. When Classic 107.3 arrived on the scene, I was THRILLED (although still held some animosity towards the greedy people who kicked classical music off the air in the first place!).

    Classical music has been with me through very good times and not-so-good times. I am so lucky that my 12 year old son loves classical as much as I do. In fact, Jim Doyle invited us to visit your studios in 2018, and my son was in awe. St Louis (& now, the whole world!) is blessed to have you on the air. Thank you for keeping the world’s greatest music alive.

  2. Steve Bannes Avatar
    Steve Bannes

    Tom has influenced my knowledge and enjoyment of classical music for what must be thirty-plus years. In an era of rapid change hearing Tom’s voice is like listening to an old friend. Here’s to the next thirty! Cheers!

  3. Carol Luparella Avatar
    Carol Luparella

    Just wanted to wish a happy 10th anniversary to my favorite classical music station! May you continue for many, many more years to come, or as we say in Polish, Sto Lat! (100 years!)

  4. Fay Avatar
    Fay

    Bravo on 10th Anniversary. Thanks for being a valued source for the Arts in St. Louis & for wonderful classical music. I really enjoy hearing the live broadcasts of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra & listening to operas on Saturday afternoon. Whenever I hear Tom Sudholt’s soothing voice, I smile & relax with the beatiful music.

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