From the Top

4.7 (200)
MUSIC
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

4D AGO

Saint-Saëns and Harp

A teenage oboist honors a loved one's memory through performance and a 17-year-old harpist shares her musical journey. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

40 min
JUL 7

Horn and Herbert

We learn about the challenges and rewards of playing French Horn from a talented 17-year-old who loves to make people laugh. We hear a Victor Herbert love song played by an outstanding 14-year-old cellist and a 13-year-old violinist tells us all about her amazing experiences in the Chicago Youth Symphony program. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

28 min
JUN 30

Family Fun

Orli Shaham guest hosts with her brother violinist Gil Shaham on this episode dedicated to musical families. We'll meet a bunch of siblings, including Orli's own sons. We'll enjoy performances of Dvořák, Schumann, and a new work by a young composer. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

43 min
JUN 23

Musical Siblings

It's a family affair on this week's episode. Orli Shaham guest hosts with her brother violinist Gil Shaham. We meet a handful of siblings who share the joy of making musical memories together and hear performances of Tchaikovsky and Jessie Montgomery.⁠ Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

24 min
JUN 16

Czardas for Cello and Teen Piano Trio

A teen cellist plays an electrifying arrangement of Monti's Czardas and speaks about organizing his own concert series to benefit a special Boston-area music program. We also meet a trio of close friends who met at summer camp and perform Clara Schumann. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

27 min
JUN 9

Ravel's Birthday and Ellington

We're celebrating Ravel's 150th birthday with outstanding young musicians from the Boston area. We hear a septet of teens perform Ravel's Introduction and Allegro and a teen pianist treats us to one of Ravel's most iconic piano works. We also meet a talented young saxophonist who finds inspiration in Duke Ellington. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

45 min
JUN 2

Music and Wellness

Do you turn to music to feel better? This week we wrap up our programming on the fascinating connections between the brain, wellness, and music. A teen trombonist reflects on the ways in which music helps his mental health. A young violinist performs Schoenfield and talks about how she's trying to reframe the way auditions and competitions can make her feel. This podcast was recorded at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

29 min
MAY 26

Music and Memory

What piece of music sparks a memory for you? This week's podcast continues our journey into the fascinating world of music and the brain. A teen flute duo speaks about how they connect music with memories. A pianist returns to the show to perform Barber and chat about her research on dementia as a neuroscience student at USC. And finally, we hear from a talented 19-year-old baritone who sings Schubert. This podcast was recorded at the Brain and Creativity Institute at the University of Southern California. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

41 min

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4.7

out of 5

200 Ratings

Magnificent

06/26/2022

DC Wash

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

01/09/2022

JuilliardVoice

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.
An institution

06/29/2021

Pete Trg

Great show, esp the Christopher O’Reilly episodes before 2018
I wish I could here the episodes of From the Top with Christopher O’Riley

11/24/2021

canie bug

I would like to hear the older episodes of From the Top. I like the new ones but the old ones would hear me good to hear to from the past I wish I would put the rest of the seasons on there I wish Y’all would put the older episodes own here the new ones are great wish I could here the older eppsodes episodes