Public Radio International's 'From the Top' to record at Wheaton
April 2, 2003
From the Top, the hit public radio program that NBC's "Today'' calls "classy reality programming" comes to Wheaton on April 10 to record a show before a live audience at 1 p.m. This program, in Wheaton's Weber Theatre, is being recorded for broadcast, and will feature talented and diverse group of young musicians from Massachusetts, Illinois, California and Alabama. From the Top can be heard on WGBH-FM (89.7) Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. in Eastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Hosted by internationally renowned pianist Christopher O'Riley, From the Top, features young musicians ranging in age from 9-18. Heard on more than 240 radio stations coast-to-coast, From the Top has been called, "the best thing to happen to classical music since Leonard Bernstein's Young People Concerts" (Minneapolis Star Tribune).
From the Top's appearance at Wheaton will include The Mephisto Trio from Chicago, with members ranging from ages 14 to 17. Audiences will also hear a performance of Lecuona's Malaguena by 16-year-old Sharon Oh from Campbellsville, Kentucky on violin. 11-year-old pianist Vincent Yu from Longmeadow, Massachusetts will perform Copland's Cat and Mouse.
The live taping of From the Top, which showcases the stories and musical performances of exceptional pre-college age classical musicians, is open to the public and is recommended for ages 7 and up. Please call (508) 286-3557 for tickets and more information.
From the Top is made possible through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and The PRI Program Fund whose contributors include Mr. and Mrs. J. Irwin Miller. It also supported through the generous contributions of individuals and foundations as well as public radio stations.
For directions to Wheaton, go to www.wheatonma.edu/About/Driving.html. Wheaton's Weber Theatre is wheelchair accessible. For more information, contact Anna Fitzgerald at (508) 286-8235. For tickets information, contact Monica Key at (508) 286-3557.
