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

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From the Top

From NPR

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

Most Recent Episodes

Bach, Bassoon & John Williams

A teen guitarist from Colorado plays a beautiful work by Bach, a cellist plays an emotional Elegy by John Williams, and a pianist performs a piece that draws from the worlds of classical and jazz. We'll also hear from a teenage bassoonist who shares what it's like living with neurodivergence and meet a young clarinetist who left his home in Peru to pursue music in the U.S.

Bach, Bassoon & John Williams

Listen · 59:18
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Chopin, Barber & Bach on Mandolin

We meet young musicians from all over the country, from South Carolina to California. A 17-year-old cellist fulfills a childhood dream to be on From the Top and kicks off the program with a gorgeous Beethoven piece. We also hear a beautiful Chopin Nocturne, a Barber Sonata played by a teen flutist, and a young mandolin player shows off her gorgeous new instrument (funded by her Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award) with a performance of Bach.

Chopin, Barber & Bach on Mandolin

Listen · 59:18
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Congress has voted to eliminate government funding for public media

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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.

Saint-Saëns and Harp

Listen · 39:53
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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.

Horn and Herbert

Listen · 28:05
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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.

Family Fun

Listen · 42:32
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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.⁠

Musical Siblings

Listen · 24:24
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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.

Czardas for Cello and Teen Piano Trio

Listen · 27:26
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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.

Ravel's Birthday and Ellington

Listen · 45:08
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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.

Music and Wellness

Listen · 29:03
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