From the Top Announces New Album
From the Top Announces New Album
From the Top 25
A Dazzling Celebration of Extraordinary Young Musicians
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Boston, MA — January 8, 2026 — From the Top, the acclaimed NPR program known for spotlighting the nation’s most remarkable young musicians, proudly announces the release of From the Top 25, a vibrant new album showcasing standout performances from some of today’s most gifted young artists.
Brimming with virtuosity, heart, and youthful brilliance, From the Top 25 brings listeners into the world of dedicated young musicians whose artistry defies their age. From 11-year-old pianist Masanobu Pires’ breathtaking performance of The Lark to electrifying collaborations with world-renowned guest artists, the album shines a light on the next generation of classical and cross-genre performers.
“These teenaged artists will renew your faith in the future of music.” — NPR Music
Featuring works by Ravel, Bach, Schumann, Kreisler, Brahms, and more, From the Top 25 spans centuries of repertoire while also uplifting fresh contemporary voices such as Valerie Coleman, Lera Auerbach, and up-and-coming composer Rhyuhn Green. The collection includes appearances by celebrated From the Top host Peter Dugan, guest artists Gil Shaham (violin) and Anthony McGill (clarinet), and From the Top co-hosts/creatives Orli Shaham (piano), Tessa Lark (violin), Charles Yang (violin), and Alex Laing (clarinet).
Album Track Features
Ravel: Gaspard de la nuit, M.55: I. Ondine
Pianist Saehyun Kim, 16, from Boston, Massachusetts and South Korea
Schumann: Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, Op. 44: I. Allegro brillante
Cellist Elijah de la Motte, 19, violinist Naomi de la Motte, violist Pearl de la Motte, 21, from New York, New York with violinist Gil Shaham & pianist Orli Shaham
Auerbach: Three Dances in the Old Style, Op. 54: I. Andantino scherzando
Cellist Vincent Garcia-Hettinger, 16, from San Antonio, Texas with violinist Charles Yang
Kreisler: Praeludium and Allegro (in the style of Pugnani)
Violinist Jane Story, 16, from Stevens Point, Wisconsin with pianist Tom Waegli
Brahms: Clarinet Trio in A Minor, Op. 114: IV. Allegro
Cellist Noah Chung-Igelman, 14, from New York, New York with pianist Peter Dugan & clarinetist Anthony McGill
Thielemans: Bluesette (arr. Dyens)
Guitarist Laurel Harned, 17, from Redlands, California
Bach: Concerto for Oboe & Violin in C Minor, BWV 1060R: III. Allegro
Oboist Spencer Rubin, 16, from Woodbury, New York with pianist Peter Dugan & violinist Tessa Lark
Glinka: The Lark
Masanobu Pires, 11, from Sharon, Massachusetts
Coleman: Portraits of Langston: VI. Harlem’s Summer Night
Flutist Anika Veda,17, from Palatine, Illinois with pianist Peter Dugan & clarinetist Alex Laing
Cassadó: Piano Trio in C Major: III. Recitativo
The Aveta Trio: cellist Elliott Kim, 16, violinist Eunseo Oh, 16, pianist Sarah Yuan, 16 from San Francisco, California
Rhyuhn Green: Symbiosis
Pianist/Composer Rhyuhn Green, 17, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Gabriel/Habershon: Will the Circle Be Unbroken (lyrics by Ada R Habershon)
Banjo Bayla Davis, 15, from Leicester, North Carolina
A Celebration of Youthful Excellence
From the Top 25 captures the essence of what From the Top has championed for decades: the remarkable talent, creativity, and promise found in young musicians across the country. Each track reflects its artist’s dedication and exuberance, offering an uplifting listening experience for classical fans and new audiences alike.
“To witness first-hand the innocence, vulnerability, and excitement that a young artist of this age and caliber brings to their performance is truly special. This album captures a pivotal moment in time,” says From the Top Executive Director Gretchen Nielsen. “It is the young artist’s first professional recording experience and they are bringing everything to the table. In each performance, you can feel the raw emotion, their hard-work and preparation, and their hope for the future. This album is fresh, joyful, and authentic and a privilege to share with the world.”
Availability
From the Top 25 will be available on all major streaming platforms and digital music retailers on January 8, 2026.
Credits
From the Top 25 was recorded in studios across the country for From the Top and remixed and remastered exclusively for this album by renowned audio engineers and producers John Escobar and Rodrigo Cuenca, whose combined credits including Beatles 1 remaster and recordings of classical violin virtuoso Joshua Bell, Grammy-winning folk artist Sarah Jarosz, and more. Gracie Award winner Megan Swan is the music director.
Recording sessions were held at Texas Public Radio in San Antonio, WRTI in Philadelphia, Power Station at Berklee in New York, Yamaha Artist Services New York, Futura Productions in Boston, Merit School of Music in Chicago, Colburn School in Los Angeles, and Kaufman Music Center in New York.
For 25 years, From the Top has celebrated and empowered young musicians through a robust platform that includes broadcasts, digital content, learning and fellowships, and awards. From the Top is a creative learning lab for young classical musicians, ages 8-18, designed to fill in gaps in traditional music education. Each year, roughly 100 young artists are selected as Fellows, gaining access to professional recording sessions, financial awards, and a network of industry professionals with a genuine desire to empower young musicians. Fellows learn about community engagement, media skills, and storytelling while leading projects on issues that matter to them – such as advocating for musicians with disabilities, exploring music’s role in climate change, and addressing the challenges of serious music study in rural areas. By creating a space where young artists can experiment, collaborate, and nurture their curiosity, From the Top allows Fellows to build agency and confidence. With a growing cohort of nearly 3,000 diverse alumni, From the Top is helping the next generation of artists recognize their own potential as change-makers. Performances on From the Top’s flagship radio program reach 350,000 weekly listeners across 200 public radio stations, and millions more online, inspiring audiences nationwide with their talent and advocacy. Press Contact: Comments are closed.Meet the Artists
Host/Co-Hosts/Guest Artists
About From the Top
Press Photos
Cover Art
Erin MacCurtain, Director of Marketing and Communications, From the Top, emaccurtain@fromthetop.org, 617-755-1076
