From the Top on KCME
Sundays at 6 p.m.
Each Sunday, 88.7 KCME-FM broadcasts From the Top, a weekly, hour-long showcase of America's top young classical musicians from NPR. Hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O'Riley, From the Top will air Sundays at 6:00pm, following Classics for Kids.
Special Guest Ryan Shannon
On December 22, 2009 KCME played host to Ryan Shannon and his parents. Ryan is one of the few Coloradoans to have played on the NPR program, “From the Top.” Ryan, age 17, is a native of Boulder county, and he began violin lessons at age 5. By the 7th grade he was studying violin with Basil Vendryes, principal violinist of the Colorado Springs Orchestra. In the spring of 2008, Ryan was accepted into the Walnut Hill School for the Arts, which is a feeder school to the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston. Ryan is now Assistant Concertmaster for the Youth Philharmonic Orchestra at the NEC Preparatory Program under the direction of Benjamin Zander, also conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Ryan currently studies violin with Peter Zazofsky, Professor of Violin at Boston University and first violinist of the Muir String Quartet.
To learn more about Ryan Shannon, go to the KCME Celebrity Interviews web page. You can also look him up on the From the Top web site and listen to his performance from the January 2009 show.
During their visit to Colorado Springs, Ryan and his mother, Shannon, and his father, Gordon, entertained an audience of music teachers and many of their best students with Ryan playing Classical violin selections with his father accompanying him on the piano. The concert was held at the First Christian Church in downtown Colorado Springs.
KCME applauds Ryan and his parents for the sacrifices they make to bring beautiful music to the world, and to represent Colorado so well.
"From the Top puts to rest all concerns about the future of classical music performance in America," says General Manager Jeanna Wearing. "The quality of its young performers is astounding, and the program allows us to know these young people beyond their extraordinary talents.”
"This is an especially important addition to our broadcast schedule," Wearing adds. "It's a series that will inspire our younger audiences, their parents, and grandparents; a series that listeners of all ages will applaud. I am proud to make it available to our community."
Considered one of the most popular weekly classical music programs on public radio, From the Top celebrates the passion, dedication, and personal stories of the nation’s outstanding young classical musicians. Each hour-long episode features spirited performances and entertaining interviews with five featured soloists and/or ensembles. Responding to O'Riley's warm and often whimsical manner, these young performers share their passion for classical music, and reveal much about their non-musical lives, from career goals and siblings to hidden talents, school and community life.
Taped before live audiences in concert halls from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center and New England Conservatory's Jordan Hall, From the Top reaches nearly 750,000 loyal listeners across the country each week.
Senior Executive Producer Gerald Slavet created From the Top to acknowledge the accomplishments of young classical musicians ages 9-18 years old. "We should make heroes of these exceptional kids," says Slavet. "Why shouldn't they receive the same status our society gives great athletic talent?"
"No matter what they do later in life," adds Executive Producer Jennifer Hurley-Wales, "they are certain to be leaders in their fields. The fact that classical music is central to their lives is something we should celebrate."
From the Top is a non-profit organization that celebrates the passion, dedication and personal stories of the nation's outstanding young classical musicians. Through entertaining radio and television broadcasts, online media, and a national tour of live events and outreach programs, these performers inspire the pursuit of excellence and encourage participation in the arts as an integral part of a vibrant and civil society.
From the Top's training and mentorship programs prepare young musicians to connect with new audiences, serve as positive peer role models, and give back to their communities in many ways.
From the Top is made possible through grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. It is also supported through the generous contributions of individuals and foundations as well as public radio stations like KCME. From the Top’s radio program is produced in association with WGBH Radio Boston and New England Conservatory of Music, its home and education partner. From the Top is distributed by NPR.