Skip To Nav

Site-specific menu

Share |

NPR's 'From the Top' seeks young classical musicians from the area

by Tonya Durlach

Aug. 30, 2011 | WMU News

Photo of a young classical musician.
NPR seeks local talent
KALAMAZOO--"From the Top," the hit NPR radio program showcasing America's best young classical musicians, is seeking local talent for a live concert recording this winter at Western Michigan University.

"From the Top," with host Christopher O'Riley, is the preeminent showcase for young musicians, featuring musical performances, interviews and parodies with some of the country's best pre-collegiate performers. The hour-long radio program is broadcast on nearly 250 stations nationwide to an audience of more than 700,000 listeners each week. The Boston Globe says of the show: "An entertaining, accessible and inspirational mix of outstanding musical performances, informal interviews, skits and games, the show is a celebration of extraordinary musicians who happen to be teenagers leading fairly normal lives."

Auditions are open to musicians ages 8 to 18 who have not yet graduated from high school. Solo performers on all instruments, composers as well as instrumental or vocal ensembles are welcome.

Of the more than 100 musicians chosen to appear on the radio program every year, approximately 20 will receive Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Awards in support of furthering their musical education. These scholarships of up to $10,000 are given to deserving young classical musicians who have high levels of artistic achievement, demonstrated financial need, and a solid academic record.

Application and scholarship information is available online at fromthetop.org. Applications and recorded auditions are accepted continuously and admission is granted on a rolling basis.

"From the Top" can be heard on WMUK 102.1 FM Thursdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at noon. The live broadcast at WMU is sponsored by the University's School of Music. It will take place Sunday, Jan. 15, 2012, at 3 p.m. in the Dalton Center Recital Hall. For tickets, visit millerauditorium.com, or call (269) 387-2300 or (800) 228-9858.

For more information, visit fromthetop.org or contact Erin Haran MacCurtain at emaccurtain@fromthetop.org or (617) 437-0707, extension 117.