Q&A: Meet Phil Vavra, WDAV’s New Weekday Host
March 17, 2025
Hi there! I’m the new guy at WDAV Classical Public Radio, and it’s a thrill to be here. My media career brought me to North Carolina in 2000 and, even though I worked for various commercial radio stations over the years, I’ve been a WDAV listener for a long time. It has always provided soothing relief for my ears and soul whenever I needed it most. But I never thought I would one day get the chance to join the amazing staff here. Life is full of pleasant surprises.
Although I’m new to Classical Public Radio, I’m not a total neophyte when it comes to the content. That’s thanks to my parents, who raised me and my sister on classical music. It was, and still is, on their radio around the clock. And because they were both born in Prague, my parents were always quick to point out any piece by a Czech composer. It’s why I can pronounce Dvořák correctly.
Growing up in the shadow of New York City, my sister and I were taken to concerts, operas, and ballets at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. That continued when my family moved to the Philadelphia area. I have great memories of attending performances at the Academy of Music and the outdoor Mann Center.
Thankfully, I still live in a city with a vibrant arts scene and I’m excited to share it with you on WDAV. I hope you’ll join me every weekday from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 PM on your drive home, and from 8:00 to 9:00 PM for the Evening Opus. I’m also writing a weekly online feature called FanFare, highlighting great things for you to see, do, and eat across the Charlotte area and the Carolinas. Check it out every Thursday!
What else can I tell you? Well, my colleagues have come up with a few questions…
10 Questions With Phil Vavra
- What’s your job title?
Multiplatform Producer, which includes hosting from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., as well as the Evening Opus from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. every weekday. - What’s the best thing you’ve done at WDAV so far?
Co-hosting with Rachel Stewart, Frank Dominguez, and Myelita Melton during the Spring Fundraising Campaign. - Describe classical music in one word.
Restorative - Do you have a favorite composer?
Aaron Copland - What’s a concert you’d like to see?
I’ve never seen Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed live. That’s on my list. - Best thing about being a radio host?
Sharing stories with the listeners and hearing back from them. - Describe your hosting style in 3 words.
Levity and brevity. - How do you hope listeners feel when they tune into your shift?
I hope they smile. - Tell us a little about FanFare.
That’s my new online feature at wdav.org. It’s all about the exciting, engaging, and edible things we’re fortunate enough to enjoy in the Charlotte area and across the Carolinas. I’ll cover upcoming performances, exhibits, festivals, movies, kids’ events, and places to fuel up your family for all that fun. - And finally, what would you do with $89?
Buy a dozen eggs!