KU News Release

Kansas Public Radio adds ‘From the Top’ to Sunday morning schedule

LAWRENCE — Kansas Public Radio will begin its Sunday morning programs with “From the Top” beginning July 8.

“From the Top,” a weekly, hour-long showcase of America’s top young classical musicians, is hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. “From the Top” will air from 9 to 10 a.m. The show airs on more than 250 public radio stations nationwide.

Each hour-long program profiles young artists — in solo as well as ensemble performances — who demonstrate their exceptional talent in classical music. Responding to O’Riley’s warm and whimsical manner, they share their passion for and knowledge of the genre, and reveal much about their nonmusical lives, from career goals and siblings to school and community life.

“ ‘From the Top’ is entertaining and inspiring radio. We’re thrilled to bring the show to KPR listeners everywhere,” said Darrell Brogdon, KPR’s program director.

Taped before a live audience, often in major performance centers such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, Tanglewood, Interlochen and the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall, “From the Top” also features acclaimed artists who perform with the young musicians, such as Yo-Yo Ma, Bobby McFerrin, Midori and Dawn Upshaw.

Senior Executive Producer Gerald Slavet created “From the Top” to acknowledge the accomplishments of young classical musicians.

“We should make heroes of these exceptional kids,” Slavet said. “Why shouldn’t they receive the same status our society gives great athletic talent?”

The series’ Web site is an online community for young musicians and their parents, teachers and fans. The Web site hosts the radio series’ on-demand, educational material, community chat forums and more.

At the heart of the show’s mission is cultural leadership. The young musicians who appear on radio and television learn how to articulate their unique perspectives and design innovative ways to share their music and ideas in their communities. The show’s unique education programs engage children, especially those with the fewest resources, through powerful encounters with amazing music played by kids their own age.

To make room in the schedule, “From the Top” will replace “St. Paul Sunday,” which is ending a successful 20-year run on KPR.

KPR, licensed to the University of Kansas, broadcasts on KANU 91.5 FM in Lawrence, KANH 89.7 FM in Emporia, KANV 91.3 FM in Olsburg-Junction City and K210CR 89.9 FM in Atchison. KPR also can be heard online. KPR also operates KPR-2, a news-talk channel on HD Radio. Those broadcasts can be heard on a high-definition receiver or on KPR’s Web site.

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