50 episodes

NPR's From the Top showcases the music, stories, and unique humor of America's best young classical musicians.

From the Top From the Top

    • Music
    • 4.6 • 167 Ratings

NPR's From the Top showcases the music, stories, and unique humor of America's best young classical musicians.

    Terrific Trumpeter, Award-Winning Trio, & More

    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.

    • 59 min
    Brahms, Wieniawski, and a Young Pianist

    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!

    • 59 min
    Black History Month Special Encore

    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.

    • 59 min
    Beethoven, Rocket Science, & Coltrane

    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 hr
    Schumann, Haydn, and a Joyful Gospel Choir

    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 hr 9 min
    Kreisler, Film Scores & More

    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?

    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

4.6 out of 5
167 Ratings

167 Ratings

DC Wash ,

Magnificent

The music is incredible. The interview with the musicians reveal the heart and intellect behind that music. Impressive for sure.

JuilliardVoice ,

The host!

The new host Peter Dugan makes this show even better! So happy he’s at the helm leading the new generation with an open heart and keen ear.

Pete Trg ,

An institution

Great show, esp the Christopher O’Reilly episodes before 2018

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