NPR’s From the Top with Host Christopher O’Riley: Highlight Show 3
About
This week, we present our first ever “all composers” highlights show. This special edition of From the Top features some of the best original music heard on the program, written and performed by kids, including a gorgeous suite of pieces for winds and cello by a teenager who was inspired by a Seattle rainstorm and a thrillingly “diabolic” piece written by a 13-year-old pianist. You’ll also meet a 17-year-old bassoonist who writes highly complex chamber music just to impress his girlfriend.
Performers and Repertoire:
Composer and pianist Sebastian Chang, 12, from Trebuco Canyon, CA, and violinist Stephan Jackiw, 15, from Boston, MA, perform Moonlight Masquerade for Violin and Piano by Sebastian Chang
Members of New England Conservatory’s Prep Division (flutist Michael Gordon, 18, from North Scituate, RI; oboist Lauren Kruskal, 17, from Dover, MA; clarinetist Rebecca Doggett, 15, from Brookline, MA; bass clarinetist Desmond Park, 17, from Natick, MA; and cellist Gina Tsai, 16, from Andover, MA) perform Shades of Rain by Josh Deutsch, 18, from Seattle WA
The Zephyr Wind Trio (bassoonist Brad Balliet, 17, from Westboro, MA; clarinetist Juliet Grabowski, 17, from Andover, MA; and flutist Rose Grabowski, 15, from Andover, MA) performs “Mitosis” by Brad Balliet
The New England Conservatory Preparatory School Quartet (violinists Heather Wittels and Ashley Liberty; cellist Clara Kennedy; and violist Catherine McCurry) ages 17-18, from the Boston area, performs String Quartet No. 1, 1st mvt. by John Harbison
Pianist Robert Tsai, 11, from Millington, NJ, performs Sonata in A by Robert Tsai
Harpist and composer Rachel Brandwein, 17, from Fairway, KS, performs “Alice May” by Rachel Brandwein
Pianist and Composer Sebastian Chang, 13, of Trabuco Canyon, CA, performs Diabolic Dialogues, Op. 8 by Sebastian Chang
Release Dates
- Monday, March 28, 2005
- Monday, July 28, 2003
- Monday, October 21, 2002
Release date is when this show is released to NPR stations, here on our website, and to our podcast. Shows are released on a weekly basis; please check your local NPR station listing for the actual airtime in your market. If you'd like, you can visit NPR's "Find Stations" page to look for your station.
