NPR's From the Top showcases the music, stories, and unique humor of America's best young classical musicians.
11-Year-Old Pianist & More
We meet a sensational 11-year-old pianist and a self-directed flutist who describes the mouthwatering food he finds in his hometown. A teen violinist shares a moving piece inspired by the Holocaust and a young harpist speaks about how exploring her creativity on her Youtube Channel.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
10/7/2024 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Dramatic Cello & Saxophone Elegy
We meet a teen cellist from a large musical family who performs a theatrical piece by Cassadó. An 18-year-old saxophone player with a commitment to community engagement delivers a moving Elegy by Fauré.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/30/2024 • 27 minutes, 7 seconds
Romance & Silence
A dedicated teen violinist and poet performs Amy Beach's passionate Romance. A clarinetist describes a moment discovering complete silence out in nature and how he draws on that feeling in his performance of Debussy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/23/2024 • 41 minutes, 14 seconds
Musicians and Leadership
New York Philharmonic President and CEO Deborah Borda joins Peter Dugan as co-host and shares insights into her iconic career at the helm of the country's leading orchestras. She speaks with an inspiring 16-year-old violist who is an emerging leader in her own right. We also meet an articulate young composer who wants her music to bring people joy and healing, a teen clarinetist who has traveled the world with his musical parents, and a pianist with a passion for acting. They give incredible performances of Prokofiev, Enescu, Kovács, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/16/2024 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 36 seconds
Vibrant Young Guitarist & Heavenly Harp
Philadelphia Orchestra's Principal Bassist Joseph Conyers is back as co-host as we meet a bright teen harpist whose commitment to her instrument is so strong she commutes weekly from Virginia to New York for lessons and a vibrant 12-year-old guitarist plays a fiery work by Roland Dyens and talks about his love for fishing, movies, and performing with his sisters. Peter Dugan and Joseph Conyers open the program with a moving interpretation of Florence Price's Adoration.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/9/2024 • 34 minutes, 37 seconds
Rhapsody in Philadelphia
We're in Philadelphia where we meet a local teen composer who aspires to create more opportunities for fellow Black composers and learn how co-host Joseph Conyers, Philadelphia Orchestra's principal bassist, is making an impact through his service to the community. We also hear a young violinist perform a phenomenal work by contemporary composer Jessie Montgomery.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
9/2/2024 • 50 minutes, 42 seconds
50 Years of Walnut Hill
We're meeting some phenomenal musicians from the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. The school is celebrating 50 years as an arts high school and sharing their talented teens with Guest Host Orli Shaham. Enjoy performances of Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/26/2024 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Victor Wooten, Bach, & Gospel Marching Band
Grammy Award-winning bass player Victor Wooten joins us for our exciting musical journey out of Nashville. A talented teen flutist plays an elegant Bach Sonata and then improvises on that same work with Victor Wooten and Peter Dugan. We meet the drum major from Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands and hear selections from their Grammy Award-winning album. And if that's not enough, we are treated to a special collaboration between our hosts!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/19/2024 • 42 minutes, 51 seconds
Beethoven to Bluegrass and Special Guest Victor Wooten
Grammy Award-winning bass player Victor Wooten joins us this week as we celebrate great music out of Nashville! We hear an electric performance on violin, imitating sounds from Jimi Hendrix's guitar, by a teen musician who already holds a real job in an orchestra. We meet a talented pianist who performs Beethoven. And a teen bluegrass mandolin player with a career on the rise performs solo and collaborates on a toe-tapping tune with Victor Wooten and Peter Dugan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/12/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Where Music Lives Reprise: Violin and Banjo
A 15-year-old violinist introduces us to his charming coastal community of Damariscotta, Maine and a talented young banjo player ensconced in the blue grass music scene brings us into her musical home in the foothills of Leicester, North Carolina. Co-host/violinist Tessa Lark draws on her own childhood in Kentucky as she reflects with Peter Dugan on the stories and performances of these talented young musicians from rural communities. Don't miss the videos of each hometown visit at fromthetop.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
8/5/2024 • 31 minutes, 54 seconds
Where Music Lives Reprise
We're on a musical journey in small town and rural America. We meet a teen violinist down by the bayou in Monroe, Louisiana, travel to the rolling farmland of Redlands, California to the home of a driven young guitarist, and hear from a young composer who enjoys the support of his community in Fargo, North Dakota. Co-host/violinist Tessa Lark speaks about her own upbringing in Eastern Kentucky as she reflects with Peter Dugan on the experiences of these talented young artists from small towns. Don't miss the videos of each hometown visit at fromthetop.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
7/29/2024 • 45 minutes, 1 second
Liszt and Brahms with Guest Host Orli Shaham
A 17-year-old violist performs a moving Brahms Sonata with guest host Orli Shaham and we meet a talented teenage pianist who plays one of Liszt's great works for piano. More at: https://fromthetop.org/show/show-450/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/24/2024 • 30 minutes, 58 seconds
Classics with Guest Host Orli Shaham
Pianist Orli Shaham meets an 11-year-old violinist who moved from Sydney to New York to pursue music and collaborates with a gifted teen on Rebecca Clarke's viola sonata. Finally, we meet a pianist who tells us about Chopin's mazurkas and life at his New England boarding school. More at: https://fromthetop.org/show/show-450/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/17/2024 • 43 minutes, 12 seconds
Musical Feast: Teen Composer and Erhu
We meet a teen composer who performs her own work on cello, learn about the beauty of the erhu, and discover the joy of marching bands through the experiences of a teen flutist. Learn more about the musicians and repertoire featured on this episode: https://fromthetop.org/show/show-449/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/10/2024 • 45 minutes, 25 seconds
Musical Feast: Cassadó to Schumann
We talk about the healing nature of music with a violist who performs Schumann. We hear a vibrant performance inspired by Las Vegas from a teen pianist and join a young cellist as she performs and reflects on Cassadó's imaginative Dance of the Green Devil. Learn more about the musicians and repertoire featured on this episode: https://fromthetop.org/show/show-449/Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
6/3/2024 • 31 minutes
Victor Wooten, Bach, & Gospel Marching Band
Grammy Award-winning bass player Victor Wooten joins us for our exciting musical journey out of Nashville. A talented teen flutist plays an elegant Bach Sonata and then improvises on that same work with Victor Wooten and Peter Dugan. We meet the drum major from Tennessee State University's Aristocrat of Bands and hear selections from their Grammy Award-winning album. And if that's not enough, we are treated to a special collaboration between our hosts!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/27/2024 • 42 minutes, 51 seconds
Beethoven to Bluegrass and Special Guest Victor Wooten
Grammy Award-winning bass player Victor Wooten joins us this week as we celebrate great music out of Nashville! We hear an electric performance on violin, imitating sounds from Jimi Hendrix's guitar, by a teen musician who already holds a real job in an orchestra. We meet a talented pianist who performs Beethoven. And a teen bluegrass mandolin player with a career on the rise performs solo and collaborates on a toe-tapping tune with Victor Wooten and Peter Dugan.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/20/2024 • 47 minutes, 25 seconds
Musicians from Rural America: Violin and Banjo
A 15-year-old violinist introduces us to his charming coastal community of Damariscotta, Maine and a talented young banjo player brings us into her musical home in the foothills of Leicester, North Carolina. Co-host/violinist Tessa Lark draws on her own childhood in Kentucky as she reflects with Peter Dugan on the stories and performances of these talented young musicians from rural communities. Don't miss the videos of each hometown visit at fromthetop.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/13/2024 • 31 minutes, 54 seconds
Musicians from Rural America: Louisiana to California
We meet a teen violinist down by the bayou in Monroe, Louisiana, travel to the rolling farmland of Redlands, California to the home of a driven young guitarist, and hear from a young composer who enjoys the support of his community in Fargo, North Dakota. Co-host/violinist Tessa Lark speaks about her own upbringing in Eastern Kentucky as she reflects with Peter Dugan on the experiences of these talented young artists from small towns. Don't miss the videos of each hometown visit at fromthetop.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
5/6/2024 • 45 minutes, 1 second
Earth Day Special: Trees and Swans
We're paying homage to our beautiful planet and the works of art it inspires! A teen harpist from rural California performs Gary Schocker's Memory of Trees, a contemplation on the effects of climate change. Finally, a 17-year-old cellist plays The Swan and speaks of her work in environmental advocacy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/29/2024 • 22 minutes, 15 seconds
Earth Day Special: Clouds and Beetles
We're celebrating Earth Day with performances that celebrate our natural world. Up first, a young oboist performs a piece inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's paintings of jimson weed and speaks about volunteering in a community garden. We also meet a teen pianist who performs Tan Dun's colorful homage to the Chinese countryside and a composer who connects with nature through the study of insects and shares a work inspired by the Salt Creek Tiger Beetle.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/22/2024 • 38 minutes, 17 seconds
Let's Get Together: Texas Youth Orchestra & More
Peter collaborates with a 16-year-old violinist on an elegant rag. We hear Poulenc's trio for oboe, bassoon, and piano and meet one of Texas' premier high school orchestras who perform Shostakovich.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/15/2024 • 30 minutes, 2 seconds
Let's Get Together: Rachmaninoff to Barber
How does ensemble size and instrumentation shape the listening experience? We hear from a 14-year-old violinist who feels passionately about music-making, meet a teen pianist who takes on Rachmaninoff, and hear Peter play Barber with a young cellist who speaks about the importance of a local music program in his life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/8/2024 • 29 minutes, 16 seconds
Sonatas! Saint Saëns and Frank
We continue our exploration of the sonata with two teens from Southern California. We hear a bassoonist performing Saint Saëns and a pianist performing an exciting work by American composer Gabriela Lena Frank. Finally, we are treated to a flashback finale of an outstanding flutist playing Dorff's Salmon Lake.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
4/1/2024 • 33 minutes
Sonatas! Bach, Beethoven, Brahms
We hear a range of sonatas including Bach performed on marimba, a late Beethoven work for cello and piano, and a Brahms viola sonata. Performed by teens from Arizona and Texas!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/25/2024 • 42 minutes, 44 seconds
The Swan & More from Michigan: Part II
We meet a violist with a love for Formula One racing who gives an evocative performance of Schumann. We hear a conversation between a teen clarinetist and his mentor, the principal clarinetist of the Minnesota Orchestra, who share much in common including leaving their homes in Costa Rica to study at Interlochen Arts Academy.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/18/2024 • 31 minutes, 30 seconds
The Swan & More from Michigan: Part I
A talented 12-year-old cellist performs The Swan by Saint-Saëns, a flutist with a passion for marine biology plays a dreamy Fantasie by Hüe, and the winner of Interlochen Arts Academy's Concerto Competition performs a difficult but rewarding work by Ysaÿe.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/11/2024 • 36 minutes, 12 seconds
Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities: Encore
18-year-old violinist and From the Top alum Julia LaGrand co-hosts this special episode dedicated to celebrating the stories and performances of disabled and neurodivergent musicians. Julia, who is blind, also interviews special guest Itzhak Perlman. We meet a 16-year-old double bassist who began studying music when spina bifida made it difficult to keep up with youth sports leagues, a 14-year-old pianist who uses Braille scores to learn his repertoire, a 26-year-old cellist who believes his musical skills are sharpened by his autism, and a 16-year-old pianist with Escobar Syndrome who shares her journey to millions on social media. They perform works by Grieg, Liszt, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
3/4/2024 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 37 seconds
Chopin, Guitar Quartet & More from Minnesota: Part II
We hear from a teenage guitar quartet playing a lively Brazilian piece, an oboist playing a new work by composer Reena Esmail, and a violinist who imagines herself in Brahms' world when she performs.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/26/2024 • 48 minutes, 20 seconds
Chopin, Guitar Quartet & More from Minnesota: Part I
We meet a 14-year-old pianist playing a Chopin Scherzo, a classical cellist who also plays rock covers, and a young trumpeter who gives insight into the physicality of playing his instrument.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/19/2024 • 38 minutes, 43 seconds
Black History Month Special Encore
In recognition of Black History Month, this highlight program celebrates outstanding performances by Black musicians on From the Top through the years. Hosted by Peter Dugan and David Norville, an alumnus, oboist, and former Assistant Producer at From the Top.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
2/12/2024 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
A Celebration of Sphinx Encore
An encore episode dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of the Sphinx Organization.We feature musical excerpts from a live performance by critically-acclaimed chamber orchestra, the Sphinx Virtuosi. We hear from musicians and educators whose lives have been changed by Sphinx and explore the pivotal role it has played in expanding diversity in the arts.
2/5/2024 • 59 minutes, 37 seconds
Mozart, Kreisler, and Schubert: Part II
We meet a percussionist from the famous LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts who gives a tour of the marimba to Peter Dugan, a 13-year-old cellist who loves both ballet and music, and a pianist who relates with the emotions of Schubert.
1/29/2024 • 35 minutes, 37 seconds
Mozart, Kreisler, and Schubert: Part I
A teen quartet plays Mozart, a 15-year-old flutist shares why her instrument is a dependable friend, and a violinist plays a Kreisler arrangement and draws connections between science and art.
1/22/2024 • 36 minutes, 48 seconds
Cassadó, Grant Still, & a Unique Trio: Part II
A 17-year-old pianist plays the work of a lesser-known Russian romantic pianist/composer and describes his interest in robotics. A violinist with a passion for musical suites performs a contemporary work. An exciting trio comprised of bass, flute, and bassoon play Piazzola.
1/15/2024 • 36 minutes, 38 seconds
Cassadó, Grant Still, & a Unique Trio: Part I
A 17-year-old violinist shares how he deals with performance anxiety and plays William Grant Still. A teen guitarist speaks of his family connection with Colombia and the vibrant piece that was written for him to perform. A 12-year-old cellist gives an exuberant performance of Cassadó's Requiebros and shares how she sneaks in some time for bluegrass.
1/8/2024 • 35 minutes, 24 seconds
50 Years of Walnut Hill
We're meeting some phenomenal musicians from the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. The school is celebrating 50 years as an arts high school and sharing their talented teens with Guest Host Orli Shaham. Enjoy performances of Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, and more.
12/11/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Sensational Youth Chamber Music with Fischoff
We're celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Over the years, From the Top has featured the sensational winning youth ensembles of this renowned competition, and we're going to revisit some of these incredible performances. We'll also reveal the most recent grand prize winners who have yet to be featured on From the Top.
11/27/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Dvořák, Winds, & a Young Composer
A young violinist explores the connection between powerlifting and music. A teen bassoonist plays a stirring piece, a trombonist shows off the range of his instrument and shares his passion for nutrition. And a young composer presents their exciting work for an eclectic grouping of instruments!
11/6/2023 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Meet the Winners: Behind the Scenes at the Cliburn, Part II
We're back at the 2023 Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival. You'll hear more incredible performances, including some with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and meet semi-finalists and winners of the competition.
10/16/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Behind the Scenes at the Cliburn, Part I
We're backstage at the 2023 Cliburn International Junior Piano Competition and Festival. Hear brilliant performances from the competitors and learn more about this outstanding group of young pianists gathered from around the world.
10/9/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Bach, Bassoon & John Williams
A teen guitarist from Colorado plays a beautiful work by Bach, a cellist plays an emotional Elegy by John Williams, and a pianist performs a piece that draws from the worlds of classical and jazz. We'll also hear from a teenage bassoonist who shares what it's like living with neurodivergence and meet a young clarinetist who left his home in Peru to pursue music in the U.S.
9/25/2023 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Euphonium Fanatic, Rachmaninoff, & More
We hear Clara Schumann performed on clarinet, a ferocious performance of Rachmaninoff, and a moving new cello work inspired by the pandemic. We also meet an 18-year-old who loves the euphonium so much that he's determined to make it a household name and a young woman who is making an impression on the double bass world.
9/4/2023 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Euphonium Fanatic, Rachmaninoff, & More
We hear Clara Schumann performed on clarinet, a ferocious performance of Rachmaninoff, and a moving new cello work inspired by the pandemic. We also meet an 18-year-old who loves the euphonium so much that he's determined to make it a household name and a young woman who is making an impression on the double bass world.
9/4/2023 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Four Hands Piano & Atlanta Music Project
Clarinetist Alex Laing joins Peter Dugan at the Atlanta Music Project for a program featuring musicians from Georgia! We hear the fantastic Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Choir performing a Spiritual. A flutist shares her love for Eastern European Folk music, a percussionist performs Sibelius on marimba, and Peter collaborates on a gorgeous four handed Ravel with an alum.
6/19/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 21 seconds
Four Hands Piano & Atlanta Music Project
Clarinetist Alex Laing joins Peter Dugan at the Atlanta Music Project for a program featuring musicians from Georgia! We hear the fantastic Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Choir performing a Spiritual. A flutist shares her love for Eastern European Folk music, a percussionist performs Sibelius on marimba, and Peter collaborates on a gorgeous four handed Ravel with an alum.
6/19/2023 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 33 seconds
Magic of the Masters
We're treated to the magical music of Classical masters Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, and Kreisler. Plus, an 18-year-old soprano finds inspiration in the history of the first African American Opera House in the United States in her hometown of Pittsburgh. And two teens tell us what it's been like to leave their home countries to study music in New York and Los Angeles.
5/29/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Magic of the Masters
We're treated to the magical music of Classical masters Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Liszt, and Kreisler. Plus, an 18-year-old soprano finds inspiration in the history of the first African American Opera House in the United States in her hometown of Pittsburgh. And two teens tell us what it's been like to leave their home countries to study music in New York and Los Angeles.
5/29/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Classical Guitar, Sax Quartet, & More
We meet an award-winning saxophone quartet from Texas. A teen flutist who is also a talented figure skater performs Faure. An impressive 16-year-old performs a piece by a guitarist/composer who inspires him, and a violinist from Hong Kong studying in Los Angeles tells us about how a letter from a stranger impacted his life.
5/8/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Remarkable Teen Musicians & Iconic Arts Leader Deborah Borda
New York Philharmonic President and CEO Deborah Borda joins Peter Dugan as co-host and shares insights into her iconic career at the helm of the country's leading orchestras. She speaks with an inspiring 16-year-old violist who is an emerging leader in her own right. We also meet an articulate young composer who wants her music to bring people joy and healing, a teen clarinetist who has traveled the world with his musical parents, and a pianist with a passion for acting. They give incredible performances of Prokofiev, Enescu, Kovács, and more.
4/24/2023 • 1 hour, 2 minutes, 36 seconds
Chopin, Barber & Bach on Mandolin
We meet young musicians from all over the country, from South Carolina to California. A 17-year-old cellist fulfills a childhood dream to be on From the Top and kicks off the program with a gorgeous Beethoven piece. We also hear a beautiful Chopin Nocturne, a Barber Sonata played by a teen flutist, and a young mandolin player shows off her gorgeous new instrument with a performance of Bach.
4/10/2023 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities
18-year-old violinist and From the Top alum Julia LaGrand co-hosts this special episode dedicated to celebrating the stories and performances of disabled and neurodivergent musicians. Julia, who is blind, also interviews special guest Itzhak Perlman. We meet a 15-year-old double bassist who began studying music when spina bifida made it difficult to keep up with youth sports leagues, a 14-year-old pianist who uses Braille scores to learn his repertoire, a 26-year-old cellist who believes his musical skills are sharpened by his autism, and a 16-year-old pianist with Escobar Syndrome who shares her journey to millions on social media. They perform works by Grieg, Liszt, and more.
3/27/2023 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 11 seconds
Terrific Trumpeter, Award-Winning Trio, & More
This week features young musicians studying at the Colburn School in LA. They range from a 14-year-old cellist with a mature performance of Beethoven to the winners of a major chamber music competition whose secret to success just might be their musical handshake. We also hear from an incredible trumpeter, a globe-trotting teen violinist, and a 15-year-old pianist performing Mendelssohn.
3/6/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Brahms, Wieniawski, and a Young Pianist
We hear the first work Brahms wrote for a solo instrument and a stunning Wieniawski Polonaise played by a 13-year-old violinist. We also meet a teenage baritone who has been drawn to community activism since childhood, a guitarist who plays an arrangement of Dizzy Gillespie's Night in Tunisia, and a young pianist who shares a special tip she got from piano superstar Lang Lang... play like a grandma!
2/13/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Black History Month Special Encore
In recognition of Black History Month, this highlight program celebrates outstanding performances by Black musicians on From the Top through the years. Hosted by Peter Dugan and David Norville, an alumnus, oboist, and former Assistant Producer at From the Top.
2/6/2023 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Beethoven, Rocket Science, & Coltrane
A pianist speaks of his passion for rocket science and his work with NASA, a talented teen violinist plays Beethoven and shares how an accident transformed his musicianship, a young composer shares a piece inspired by the loss of a loved one, and a versatile saxophonist plays Coltrane.
1/30/2023 • 1 hour, 57 seconds
Schumann, Haydn, and a Joyful Gospel Choir
Violinist Charles Yang returns as co-host. We meet a bubbly teen violinist, a pianist with a mission to connect with audiences, and a cellist who opens up about mental health. The Washington Performing Arts Children of the Gospel Choir sing us out with a performance that will have you on your feet and smiling!
1/9/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 24 seconds
Kreisler, Film Scores & More
We meet a teenage pianist with an affinity for horror movie scores, a percussionist who adapts Debussy for marimba, a talented violinist who likes to read books upside down, and an outstanding trio from Utah play Café Music. They all answer the question — why classical music?
12/12/2022 • 59 minutes, 19 seconds
Ravel Quartet & Sibling Dynamics
Guest Host Orli Shaham finds common ground with a pair of siblings who remind her of growing up with her brother Gil. A lively quartet from Chicago play Ravel. A teen soprano speaks about representation in classical music and connecting with a composer who shares her heritage. A talented young pianist talks about having pianist parents.
11/28/2022 • 59 minutes, 16 seconds
Incredible String Players Shine at the Klein
We'll hear the adrenaline filled performances taking place at the 37th Annual Irving M. Klein International String Competition, meet the players, hear from the jury, and of course, learn who wins. Violinist Tessa Lark and pianist Peter Dugan co-host this portrait of one of our country's top competitions for young players.
11/7/2022 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
11-Year-Old Pianist, Self-Directed Flutist & More
Pianist Orli Shaham guest hosts. We meet a sensational 11-year-old pianist, a self-directed flutist who describes the mouthwatering food he finds in his hometown, a violinist who shares a moving piece inspired by the Holocaust, a young harpist who explores her creativity on her own Youtube Channel, and a thoughtful teenage violinist with a multicultural background.
10/31/2022 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Sibling Soloists, Fischoff Champions, & More
Brothers from Chicago talk Formula One racing and share performances of Ysaÿe and Kovács, an award-winning chamber group from San Francisco plays a fiery Spanish trio, and a teen violinist talks about his interest in neuroscience and performs Mozart.
10/17/2022 • 59 minutes, 18 seconds
Celebration of Sphinx
This special episode is dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of the Sphinx Organization. Featuring musical excerpts from a live performance by critically-acclaimed chamber orchestra, the Sphinx Virtuosi, and stories told by the musicians, leaders, and educators whose lives have been changed by Sphinx. It also explores the pivotal role Sphinx has played in expanding diversity in the arts.
10/3/2022 • 59 minutes, 37 seconds
Liszt, Strauss & A Fake Horror Movie About Music Camp
In honor of long-time From the Top announcer Joanne Robinson, this program features some of Robinson's superb comedic contributions to From the Top skits and humor segments. It also features performances by young performers personally chosen by Joanne Robinson for their power and joy.
9/13/2022 • 59 minutes, 38 seconds
Trombone Siblings, Teenage Composer, & More
A moving and sensitive performance of the music of Dvorak performed by a teenage cellist from Chicago, a young violinist from Washington, D.C. who loves to contemplate dark matter when he's not practicing the music of Bach, a teenage trombone quartet made up of two sets of siblings and more.
9/5/2022 • 59 minutes, 35 seconds
Schumann, Rachmaninoff & A Reimagined Clarinet Concerto
The young artists on this week's show bring a range of musical choices to the program, including a Nocturne, a romance, and a piece that chronicles the African diaspora. We also meet a piano duo who act a bit like the odd couple, but they perform with beautiful unity. Clarinetist Alex Laing co-hosts and performs Weber with Host Peter Dugan.
6/27/2022 • 1 hour, 31 seconds
Juneteenth Special
Special guest Kevin Olusola co-hosts this commemoration of Juneteenth featuring outstanding young Black musicians performing works by Florence Price, Coleridge-Taylor, Sam Cooke and more.
6/13/2022 • 1 hour, 4 seconds
Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, & an Award-Winning Sax Quartet
A tenor from coastal Maine who helps out with his Dad's lobster fishing business, a talented teenage violinist who got his start following YouTube tutorials, an award-winning teenage sax quartet, and a pianist who is passionate about music history all share their music on this week's episode.
5/30/2022 • 59 minutes, 34 seconds
Fiery Double Bass, Exciting Chamber Music, & More
Genre-bending violinist Charles Yang returns as co-host, collaborating with some incredible teen musicians from Texas. And don't miss the outstanding double-bassist who gives a fiery performance.
5/9/2022 • 59 minutes, 35 seconds
A Paganini Caprice on the Guitar
This FTT Mini features guitarist Jiyeon Kim who appeared on From the Top back in 2011. Check out how she blew us away with her virtuosic performance of Paganini's Caprice No. 24 on the guitar.
5/2/2022 • 6 minutes, 44 seconds
Debussy and Childhood Revenge
This FTT Mini celebrates pianist Jennifer Tu's appearance on our program back in 2010. She performs Claude Debussy's L'Isle Joyeuse and tells a funny story of how a desire for revenge first motivated her to begin in music.
4/25/2022 • 8 minutes, 9 seconds
Carmen Fantasy, Chopin Polonaise, & More
A 14-year-old violinist plays the wonderful Carmen Fantasy, a teen cellist plays an exciting Chopin Polonaise, a pianist recalls a childhood fear of Mickey Mouse, a violist shows off her talent for songwriting, and an inspiring teenage composer shares a new work.
4/18/2022 • 59 minutes, 36 seconds
Sensational Percussion Ensemble
FTT Alum, Marcelina Suchocka went on to become a founding member of Excelsis Percussion Ensemble, a group of amazing women percussionists. They tel their story and then perform "Threads" by Paul Lansky.
4/11/2022 • 9 minutes, 45 seconds
A teenage organist, Bach and a spooky cathedral
Back in 2004, the brilliant young organist, Keenan Boswell performed a movement of the Trio Sonata No. 1 in E Flat by J.S. Bach. In this FTT Mini, we revisit that and hear his funny story about being spooked in a cathedral at night.
4/4/2022 • 6 minutes, 27 seconds
Rodgers & Hammerstein, Bach, & More
A teenage mezzo soprano sings from Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Oklahoma" and shares stories about her Hawaiian background. We also meet a fantastic 13-year-old pianist who performs Chopin, a violist who aims to become tri-lingual social venture capitalist, and two young violinists tackle Bach and Wieniawski.
3/28/2022 • 59 minutes, 30 seconds
Wind Ensemble and Baseball
In this short form FTT Mini, we revisit Mostly Winds, an ensemble at the Interlochen Arts Academy. They play the music of Antonin Dvorak and we learn just how little arts students on the campus know about baseball.
3/22/2022 • 6 minutes, 41 seconds
Harp Performance and Pet Peeve
This week's FTT Mini features 17-year-old harpist, Kerry Watson's performance of "Contemplation" by Henriette Renié. Also, Kerry shares a humorous pet peeve regarding people's reaction to her instrument.
3/14/2022 • 5 minutes, 47 seconds
Sibling String Duo, Harpsichord, and More
We are treated to a rare performance by a brilliant teenage harpsichordist. We also meet a flutist who's helping connect kids with free music lessons, a trumpet player who's a leader in her student government, and a sibling duo who bring musical joy to their local children's hospital.
3/7/2022 • 59 minutes, 31 seconds
Story of a Young Ukrainian Pianist
This FTT Mini episode features Dasha Bukhartseva, a young pianist from Ukraine who came on our program in 2007. We hear from two American tourists who arranged for her to study here and Dasha performs two Ukrainian pieces.
2/28/2022 • 10 minutes, 24 seconds
Black History Month Special
In recognition of Black History Month, this highlight program celebrates outstanding performances by Black musicians on From the Top through the years. Co-hosted by pianist Peter Dugan and producer/oboist David Norville, an alumnus of From the Top.
2/21/2022 • 59 minutes, 38 seconds
Adventurous Music and a Clarinet Bromance
Teenagers studying at the famous Colburn School in Los Angeles perform adventuresome music including an emotional violin piece by Filipino composer, Abelardo, and a virtuosic clarinet duo performed by two BFFs.
2/14/2022 • 59 minutes, 31 seconds
Powerhouse Teen Quartet Performs Debussy
Back in 2007, the Newman String Quartet brought the house down with their performance Debussy's String Quartet in G minor. This FTT Mini revisits that amazing moment and we learn what makes this group tick.
2/7/2022 • 8 minutes, 21 seconds
An Incredible Family Trio performs Kodály
In 2003, the Ottava Trio, made up members of the Link Family graced the stage of From the Top and performed with such unity and precision we've never forgotten it. Check out their performance of the third movement of Serenade by Zoltán Kodály on this FTT Mini
1/31/2022 • 9 minutes, 1 second
All Alumni Show - with music by Mozart, William Grant Still and more
On From the Top's annual "Where Are They Now Show" host Peter Dugan meets up with alumni of the program to discover the exciting creative projects they're doing now that they're in their 20s. We hear the music of Mozart, Bernard Hermann, John Adams and more.
1/24/2022 • 59 minutes, 33 seconds
A Heartfelt Narration and Devilish Prokofiev
In this week's FTT Mini, 14-year-old pianist Evan Ritter narrates a moving story about his life and the role of piano in it, and then delivers ferocious performance of Sergei Prokofiev's Suggestion Diabolique.
1/17/2022 • 8 minutes, 11 seconds
A Thrilling Teenage Percussion Ensemble
9 teenagers from Chicago's legendary Percussion Scholarship Group brought the house down when they performed the high energy piece, "Marimba Spiritual" on From the Top back in 2009. Check out this treasure from our archive.
1/10/2022 • 10 minutes, 6 seconds
Bach, Brahms and the Red Violin Caprices
A teenage violist with a talent for astronomy performs the music of Brahms ... a fiery violinist performs music from "The Red Violin" and shares his perspectives growing up with Aspeger's syndrome and a teenage pianist who's already touring the world as a pro performs Chopin.
1/3/2022 • 59 minutes, 34 seconds
Beautiful Seattle Rain Shared Through Music
Composer Joshua Deutsch wrote his evocative composition, Shades of Rain for woodwinds and cello as a teenager and we featured it way back in 2000. Featuring several short movements, it explores the differing moods of rain in Seattle, Washington.
12/27/2021 • 7 minutes, 50 seconds
Wild Paganini on Piano
Teenage pianists David Allakhverdov,and Weiyin Chen,17, tear up the keyboard in a performance of Variations on a Theme by Paganini by Witold Lutoslawski
12/20/2021 • 7 minutes, 16 seconds
Anthony McGill, Clarinet Quintet and More!
Clarinetist Anthony McGill makes a guest appearance performing Brahms with a 14-year-old cellist, bonding with a teenage clarinet quintet over their shared instrument, and recalling stories from his childhood.
12/13/2021 • 59 minutes, 35 seconds
Erhu Experienced?
17-year-old Erhu player narrates a colorful multilayered audio introduction to this traditional Chinese instrument and then performs a medley to two contrasting Erhu pieces.
12/6/2021 • 9 minutes, 24 seconds
Brahms, Debussy, and Marimba
A 16-year-old violist plays one of Brahms' most beautiful sonatas, a young percussionist shares an experience that inspired him to connect with his Mexican-American heritage, and a teen violinist recalls his "bucket list" performance at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama.
11/29/2021 • 59 minutes, 37 seconds
Teen Saxophonist and the Cincinnati Pops
Corey Dundee, who is now a member of the award winning Kenari Quartet, appeared on From the Top as a teenager. Here his teen performance of Russell Peck's "The Upward Stream" with the Cincinnati Pops under the direction of Erich Kunzel
11/22/2021 • 10 minutes, 17 seconds
Beethoven to Bluegrass
This week we hear a mambo for harp, one of Debussy's earliest works, a Spiritual arranged by composer Margaret Bonds, and a fiddle finale with a 12-year-old national champion. Violinist Tessa Lark joins as co-host.
11/15/2021 • 59 minutes, 36 seconds
Prokofiev Performed by the Swim Team Captain
This week's short form podcast features a 17-year-old pianist performing an excerpt from Prokofiev's Piano Sonata No. 1 and her swim-team coach chimes in to rave about her performance in the pool.
11/8/2021 • 8 minutes, 46 seconds
Mozart, Chopin, & A Young Composer
A pair of sisters from New York deliver a brilliant performance of Mozart. They're joined by a 16-year-old pianist playing Chopin, a talented young composer, and a violist who shares her powerful experiences with synesthesia.
11/1/2021 • 59 minutes, 38 seconds
14-year-old Harpist's Spooky Serenade
Horror movies can definitely inspire a great classical music performance. They certainly inspired 14-year-old harpist Anna DeLoi in 2010. Back then, Anna shared a chilling tale and a riveting performance that's bound to get you ready for the spookiest of seasons. Check it out on this week's installment of our short-form series of amazing FTT moments from the archives.
10/25/2021 • 7 minutes, 27 seconds
Danse Macabre, 13-year-old Violinist, & More
A piano duo plays Saint-Saëns' thrilling Danse Macabre, a teenage violinist performs Jessie Montgomery's "Peace" and reflects on a stunning experience deep in a cave in Virginia, we also hear from a winner of the prestigious Junior Sphinx competition.
10/18/2021 • 59 minutes, 37 seconds
Spanish Guitar Music from the Archives
In 2002, then 18-year-old guitarist Gohar Vardanyan treated our audiences to a inspired performance of Spanish guitar music and a funny story about her dad. 19 years later, we're revisiting that moment as part of our new short-form series of amazing FTT moments from the archives.
10/11/2021 • 5 minutes, 7 seconds
Chopin Piano Sonata, Rachmaninoff, & More
The young violist on this week's show actually built his own instrument. Hear that story alongside dazzling performances of Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Jessie Montgomery and more.