Hit National Public Radio’s “From the Top” Coming to Rochester Thanks to WXXI and the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra
Rochester, NY – WXXI Public Broadcasting and the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra (RPYO) are proud to bring the hit public radio program From the Top to the Callahan Theater at Nazareth College on Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Hosted by internationally renowned pianist Christopher O’Riley, the show will be recorded live for a March 2008 broadcast, and will feature talented young musicians from the Greater Rochester area as well as from across the country, selected through recorded audition by From the Top producers. More than a dozen local young artists auditioned for a spot on the show; finalists will be informed on December 1. Tickets for the taping are on sale now by phone (585) 454-2100, online at www.rpo.org (click on Special Concerts) or in person at the RPO Box Office located at 108 East Avenue, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (non-concert Saturdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.). Although the show has featured four area musicians in previous seasons, this is the first time that From the Top has come to Rochester.
From the Top – heard on WXXI-FM 91.5/WJSL-FM 90.3/WXXI-FM HD 91.5-1 on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. – showcases America’s best pre-college classical soloists and small chamber groups between the ages of eight and 18. Christopher O’Riley’s quirky and audience-friendly style brings out the often unexpected, offbeat humor and insights of these young musicians. High-profile performers such as Yo-Yo Ma, Dawn Upshaw, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg and Bobby McFerrin have appeared to talk about their musical influences and the development of their careers, in addition to performing together with the young artists.
From the Top is produced in association with WGBH Radio Boston and the New England Conservatory, its home and educational partner, and is distributed by NPR. Support comes from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation as well as from radio stations, corporations, foundations and individuals. From the Top is endorsed by the National Guild of Community Schools of the Arts, the National Association for Music Education, the American Symphony Orchestra League and the Music Teachers National Association.
The Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra is composed of more than 100 of the most accomplished middle and high school musicians from more than 30 schools in the Greater Rochester area. Sponsored by the Education Department of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, the RPYO was founded in 1970 to provide highly enriching musical ensemble experiences to exceptionally accomplished young musicians from varied backgrounds. The orchestra performs under the musical direction of Dr. David Harman with additional coaching by members of the RPO.
To learn more about Rochester’s From the Top show and taping, visit www.wxxi.org/fromthetop. To read more about the show itself, visit www.fromthetop.org.
