From the Top

4.7 (194)
MUSIC
UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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

3 DAYS AGO

Giving Thanks with Orli Shaham

Today, we're recognizing the gift of music to inspire and bring people together with guest host Orli Shaham. Settle in for some fantastic performances of Beethoven, Debussy, and more. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

25 min
NOV 11

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. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

59 min
NOV 4

Wieniawski, Stage Fright, and Schumann

A teen clarinetist who found a home-away-from-home surrounded by music and art at the Interlochen Arts Academy performs Schumann's Three Romances. We also meet a 15-year-old violinist who found a way to transform her performance anxiety into an act of generosity. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

27 min
OCT 28

Figaro, Spanish Lullaby, and Self-Taught Trumpeter

A teen violinist performs the memorable Figaro from The Barber of Seville and a mezzo soprano sings a gorgeous lullaby from a Venezuelan composer and shares her passion for singing works in Spanish. We also hear from a teen trumpeter and decorated Eagle Scout who turned to YouTube and the world's best trumpeters to help get his start on his instrument. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

33 min
OCT 21

All About that Bass

A teen cellist performs Beethoven with Peter Dugan and speaks about training for pole vaulting. We meet a double bassist from North Carolina who in addition to being an incredible musician has a nose for cologne scents! Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

29 min
OCT 14

Lush Rachmaninoff and Sprightly Harp

A fantastic young pianist from the oldest town in Texas performs Rachmaninoff, an 18-year-old bassoonist reflects on how summer music programs changed him as a musician, and a talented teen from Indiana shows off the range of the harp. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

44 min
OCT 7

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

59 min
SEP 30

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/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

27 min

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4.7

out of 5

194 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