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
    • 4.7 • 182 Ratings

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

    The Swan & More from Michigan: Part II

    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.

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    • 31 min
    The Swan & More from Michigan: Part I

    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.

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    • 36 min
    Celebrating Musicians with Disabilities: Encore

    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.

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    • 1 hr 1 min
    Chopin, Guitar Quartet & More from Minnesota: Part II

    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.

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    • 48 min
    Chopin, Guitar Quartet & More from Minnesota: Part I

    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.

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    • 38 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.

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    • 59 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
182 Ratings

182 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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