Taking it “From the Top”

Written by Kelly Kleinsteuber

National Public Radio's hit show “From the Top” will tape a radio broadcast at the Allen Theatre in the Student Union Building at 7 p.m. Sept. 16. The event is presented by KOHM-FM as part of the 2008 Presidential Lecture & Performance Series.

“From the Top” is a non-profit broadcast series featuring the nation’s top young classical musicians. This special concert will feature performances from both local talent and musicians from across the country.

Grace Cheon, a 13-year-old pianist from Lubbock, will perform the second movement of Prokofiev’s Sonata No. 2 in D minor, Op. 14 and Tristan Plaut, a 17-year-old flutist from Wolfforth, will play the third movement of Burton’s Sonatina. They will be joined by 14-year-old violinist Kenneth Renshaw, 9-year-old guitarist Roberto Granados and 17-year-old cellist Gemma Nam.

“KOHM’s mission is to share classical music with the South Plains,” said Sherril Skibell, development director for KOHM-FM. “We’re incredibly excited to bring the nation’s best young classical musicians to Lubbock for the hit radio broadcast ‘From the Top.’ We look at this recording and this concert as our gift to the community. We know they will enjoy this amazing collection of talented musicians playing some great music.”

Hosted by renowned concert pianist Christopher O’Riley, the program visits different communities to tape radio broadcasts and conducts educational outreach programs that encourage people to engage in music and the arts. The Lubbock taping will highlight the performers’ musicianship in addition to their lives outside of music.

The event is open to the public. Tickets are available through Select-A-Seat at (806) 770-2000. For more information on the Fall 2008 Presidential Lecture & Performance Series lineup, visit www.presidentialseries.ttu.edu.