From the Top Teams Up with LSU, O’Riley Named Distinguished Visiting Artist
Photo by: Advocate/Liz Condo. Christopher O'Riley plays at LSU's Claude L. Shaver Theatre.
Yesterday, Christopher O’Riley and Tour Producer David Balsom spent the day in Baton Rouge at the Louisiana State University College of Music and Dramatic Arts to announce the launch of a new partnership. LSU has named Chris its first Distinguished Visiting Artist from 2010 to 2013 and has invited From the Top to record an episode on the LSU Baton Rouge campus and to collaborate with the university for a two- to three-year series of radio tapings, community engagement, arts leadership and communication activities. This partnership will enhance performing arts programs in the community as well as encourage student participation and skill building in the performing arts.
“As the dean of the College of Music and Dramatic Arts at LSU, I’m very proud that we will be starting a three-year association with piano artist Christopher O’Riley, as well as the popular NPR program ‘From the Top,’” said Laurence Kaptain, dean of the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts. “He comes to us as someone who has stepped beyond the traditional role of a concert artist sequestered on the stage. He has embraced technology, media and popular culture while retaining his high artistic values. The residency of Christopher O’Riley as a performing artist and media personality demonstrates the new linkages that LSU must make with national media as well as popular culture.”
From the Top alum Halie Silverman, an LSU master’s degree student and trumpeter, joined in on the announcement by presenting Chris with an LSU sweatshirt. She said that appearing on From the Top back in 2004 was a defining moment for her.
From the Top is thrilled to embark on this new partnership and eager to head back down to LSU next season for some more of the incomparable Baton Rouge hospitality. Read more about the announcement in the Baton Rouge Advocate.
From the Top is heard on KRVS 88.7FM, Lafayette, Tuesdays at 7pm; KDAQ 89.9 FM, Shreveport, Saturdays at 11am and beginning in January 2010 WRKF 89.3 FM, Baton Rouge. New Orleans’ WWNO-FM is also expected to carry the show beginning in fall 2010.
