KU News Release

Kansas Public Radio seeks young musicians for national radio broadcast

LAWRENCE — “From the Top,” the hit radio program that showcases top-notch musicianship, offbeat humor and insights from the United States’ best young classical musicians, is auditioning young artists from across the country, particularly looking for local musicians to appear on the program being recorded July 15 at the Lied Center on the University of Kansas campus.

The weekly, hour-long show is heard on Kansas Public Radio from 9 to 10 a.m. Sundays and on nearly 250 other radio stations across the country. Tickets for the show will go on sale later in the spring.

With acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley as host, each “From the Top” broadcast presents five young performers or ensembles and intersperses their stunning artistry with lively interviews, lighthearted musical games and radio theater comedy skits. Performers will be chosen in late May.

Many of the programs feature famous names from the music world, including Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Mark O’Connor, Richard Stoltzman, Eileen Ivers, Edgar Meyer and Judy Collins.

Young classical musicians, ages 9 to 18, who have not graduated from high school, are eligible to apply for a “From the Top” audition. The program welcomes solo performers on all instruments. Instrumental or vocal ensembles with no more than six performers are also welcome.

Application packets are available from Kansas Public Radio’s Web site. They also can be requested via mail or phone at: From the Top, 295 Huntington Ave., Suite 201, Boston, MA 02115 or (617) 437-0707. Applications and recorded auditions are accepted continuously and on a rolling admissions basis.

Of the more than 100 musicians chosen to appear on the radio program every year, 25 will receive Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Awards in support of furthering their musical education. These $10,000 scholarships are given to deserving young classical musicians between the ages of 9 and 18 who have high levels of artistic achievement, demonstrated financial need and a solid academic record.

“From the Top” tapes throughout the United States, including shows at Lincoln Center in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall in Boston.

“From the Top” is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, individuals, foundations and radio stations across the United States. “From the Top” is produced in association with WGBH Radio Boston and the New England Conservatory of Music, its home and education partner. National Public Radio distributes “From the Top” nationwide.

KPR, licensed to KU, 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 can be heard online at kpr.ku.edu. 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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The University of Kansas is a major comprehensive research and teaching university. University Relations is the central public relations office for KU's Lawrence campus.