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.

    Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities

    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.

    • 1 hr 1 min
    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

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

Top Podcasts In Music

The Joe Budden Network
Interval Presents
Barstool Sports
Double Elvis
Rory Farrell & Jamil "Mal" Clay
T-Rell B.O.F.

You Might Also Like

American Public Media
This American Life
NPR
NPR
WNYC Studios
WNYC Studios and The New Yorker

More by NPR

NPR
NPR
NPR
NPR
NPR
NPR