From the Top

How does ensemble size and instrumentation shape the listening experience? We hear from a 14-year-old violinist who feels passionately about music-making, meet a teen pianist who takes on Rachmaninoff, and hear Peter play Barber with a young cellist who speaks about the importance of a local music program in his life.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We continue our exploration of the sonata with two teens from Southern California. We hear a bassoonist performing Saint Saëns and a pianist performing an exciting work by American composer Gabriela Lena Frank. Finally, we are treated to a flashback finale of an outstanding flutist playing Dorff's Salmon Lake.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We hear a range of sonatas including Bach performed on marimba, a late Beethoven work for cello and piano, and a Brahms viola sonata. Performed by teens from Arizona and Texas!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

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

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

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

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

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

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

An encore episode dedicated to the 25th Anniversary of the Sphinx Organization.We feature musical excerpts from a live performance by critically-acclaimed chamber orchestra, the Sphinx Virtuosi. We hear from musicians and educators whose lives have been changed by Sphinx and explore the pivotal role it has played in expanding diversity in the arts.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We meet a percussionist from the famous LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts who gives a tour of the marimba to Peter Dugan, a 13-year-old cellist who loves both ballet and music, and a pianist who relates with the emotions of Schubert.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A teen quartet plays Mozart, a 15-year-old flutist shares why her instrument is a dependable friend, and a violinist plays a Kreisler arrangement and draws connections between science and art.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A 17-year-old pianist plays the work of a lesser-known Russian romantic pianist/composer and describes his interest in robotics. A violinist with a passion for musical suites performs a contemporary work. An exciting trio comprised of bass, flute, and bassoon play Piazzola.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A 17-year-old violinist shares how he deals with performance anxiety and plays William Grant Still. A teen guitarist speaks of his family connection with Colombia and the vibrant piece that was written for him to perform. A 12-year-old cellist gives an exuberant performance of Cassadó's Requiebros and shares how she sneaks in some time for bluegrass.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We're meeting some phenomenal musicians from the Walnut Hill School for the Arts in Natick, Massachusetts. The school is celebrating 50 years as an arts high school and sharing their talented teens with Guest Host Orli Shaham. Enjoy performances of Ravel, Rachmaninoff, Schubert, and more.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy