American Radio's 'From The Top' Announces New Program Host

American classical music radio program 'From the Top' has named pianist Peter Dugan​ as its new permanent host

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It has been announced this week that nationwide American classical music radio program 'From the Top' has named 30-year-old pianist Peter Dugan​ as its new permanent host - effective from the commencement of the 2020-2021 season.

It was announced in 2018 that long-serving 'From The Top' host Christopher O'Riley, 61, would be leaving the weekly showcase program after 18 years.

A graduate of The Juilliard School, Peter, who appeared on the program in 2007 aged 18, has since performed with an array of international artists - including Itzhak Perlman, Joshua Bell, Jesse Colin Young and Glenn Close.

The show has indicated a number of co-hosts and mentors will also be involved with the  upcoming season - including pianist Orli Shaham and VC Artists Tessa Lark and Charles Yang.

 

VC ARTIST CHARLES YANG & CHRISTOPHER O'RILEY | VITALI | 'CHACCONE' IN G MINOR | FROM THE TOP | SHOW 230 | 2011

 

“I passionately believe that our young musicians are the future of classical music ... they define what classical music training can look like in today's society as they grow into artists, activists, creative entrepreneurs and leaders of all kinds ..." Program Executive Director, Gretchen Nielsen has this week told The Violin Channel.
"I’m thrilled to announce that our new host, Peter Dugan, and our exceptional cadre of co-hosts and creatives were chosen not only to inspire listeners, but also to support the changing paradigm of what it means to be a musician in our world today," she has said.

 

Over the past two decades, the show has featured a large selection of outstanding young string soloists – including VC Artists Ben Beilman, Brannon Cho, Francisco Fullana, Zlatomir Fung, William Hagen, Sirena Huang, Yesong Sophie Lee, Matthew Lipman, Nathan Meltzer, Simone Porter and Stephen Waarts.