From the Top presents the amazing performances and captivating personalities of extraordinary young classical musicians from across the country. The 90-minute show, recorded for future broadcast, features virtuosic performances and entertaining interviews with young soloists and/or ensembles. Young performers share their passion for classical music, and speak about their non-musical lives. Broadcast on more than 220 stations nationwide to an audience of more than half a million listeners, From the Top is considered the most popular weekly one-hour music program on public radio. A celebration of great music and great kids, From the Top appeals to diverse audiences, but is especially recommended for ages 7 and up. “An entertaining, accessible and often inspirational mix of outstanding musical performances, informal interviews, skits and games, the show is a celebration of extraordinary musicians who happen to be teenagers leading fairly normal lives.”  The Boston Globe “From the Top gives young musicians the stage but lets them act their age.  It’s serious music but classically kids.” The New York Times “From the Top gives promising teenagers the chance to show their musical chops while demonstrating that they’re funny and cool.” The Washington Post

Downtown Voices; The Choir of Trinity Wall Street; NOVUS NY; Stephen Sands and Melissa Attebury, conductors Francis Poulenc – Figure Humaine Arvo Pärt – Passio This concert features iconic works of two of the most compelling and influential composers of the 20th century: Arvo Pärt and Francis Poulenc. The monumental work Passio by Arvo Pärt is a meditative setting of texts from the Passion according to St. John and is considered as the apotheosis of his writing. Poulenc’s masterpiece Figure Humaine, written in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1943 to poems of Paul Éluard, is perhaps the ultimate Poulenc musical statement. Dedicated to Pablo Picasso, in what is known as Poulenc’s most challenging choral work, the piece embodies great suffering and oppression, juxtaposed with the hope for freedom from tyranny.