A new chapter for our beloved Music Director Tom Vignieri

Dear Friends,

After 12 years, hundreds of radio shows, and countless other productions including two seasons of Emmy-winning television, our long-time music director Tom Vignieri is officially moving on. Tom, his wife Alison, and their two children have relocated to the English countryside to be closer to family in Devon and to give Tom the opportunity to turn his attention more fully to composing.

Tom’s arts management career has spanned nearly 30 years, including time as the director of the Boston University Tanglewood Institute and as artistic administrator of the Handel and Haydn Society. His tenure at From the Top began more than 12 years ago, in October of 2003. After supporting thousands of young artists over the years he says he’s looking forward to devoting more time to his own artistic pursuits. Building on orchestral and choral commissions ranging from the 75th anniversary of Boston’s Masterworks Chorale to the 200th anniversary of the Handel and Haydn Society, Tom is eager to immerse himself in a number of composing projects.

Tom points to his time at From the Top as some of the most meaningful work he’s ever done. He oversaw the selection process of both the performers and the music featured on every show, which meant working with many of the best young musicians in the country as well as most of the premier schools and arts institutions. He also enjoyed being part of a talented and dedicated creative team which put the show together each week. Reflecting on his time at From the Top, Tom said:

“It was an extraordinary privilege to help shape the future of classical music by showcasing these young artists and I’m going to dearly miss being part of From the Top and its wonderful extended family.”

In true From the Top fashion, Tom promises to remain part of the family and he will undoubtedly provide his valuable counsel from time to time – as he says himself, there’s simply no way to carry on in the world of music in this (or any other) country and not come across a From the Top alum!

If you are trying to reach Tom, here is his new email address: tvignieri1@outlook.com. Please join us in wishing Tom well in his new chapter – feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments!

Sincerely, Jennifer Hurley-Wales and Gerald Slavet, co-CEOs