15-YEAR-OLD OAKLAND CELLIST TO APPEAR ON NPR’s FROM THE TOP
Episode airs nationally and on WQXR 105.9FM the week of April 16
15-year-old cellist Sydney Lee from Oakland, New Jersey will appear on an upcoming episode of From the Top, the hit NPR radio program featuring America’s best young classical musicians and hosted by acclaimed pianist Christopher O’Riley. Broadcast from Carmel, Indiana, the show will air nationally the week of April 16 and on WQXR 105.9FM on Saturday, April 21 at 6 a.m. and Sunday, April 22 at 6 p.m. The episode was taped before a live audience at The Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts on March 21.
Sydney is home-schooled and is a student at Juilliard’s Pre-College Division, where she studies with Minhye Clara Kim. Sydney is a member of the World Youth Alliance Chamber Orchestra and the Juilliard Pre-College Symphony. Sydney has attended Meadowmount School of Music and the international MusicAlp festival in Courchevel, France. In her free time, Sydney is active in her church youth group and enjoys shopping, hanging out with friends, and traveling.
On the show Sydney performs Introduction & Polonaise Brillante, Op. 3 by Frédéric Chopin, accompanied by host Christopher O’Riley on the piano. Also on the broadcast: 13-year-old pianist Evelyn Mo from Oak Hill, Virginia performing L’isle joyeuse by Claude Debussy; 18-year-old guitarist Tyler Rhodes from Austin, Texas performing Spanish Dance No.5, “Andaluza” by Enrique Granados; 11-year-old violinist Nathan Meltzer from Bloomington, Indiana performing Hejre Kati, Scènes de la csárda, No. 4, Op. 32 by Jenö Hubay, accompanied by Christopher O’Riley; and the Minnesota-based Quartet Tzigane performing IV. Allegro Molto from Piano Quartet in D minor by William Walton. The quartet is comprised of 15-year-old violist Sloane Wesloh from Stillwater and 15-year-old violinist Graydon Tope, 13-year-old cellist Parker Tope, and 13-year-old pianist Evren Ozel from Minneapolis.
For the past decade, From the Top has been the preeminent showcase for America’s best young musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, and education programs, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week.
From the Top is made possible by support from US Trust and 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 institutions as well as public radio stations.
From the Top on NPR is produced in association with WGBH Radio Boston and New England Conservatory of Music, its home and education partner.