From the Top & Orchestra Iowa Seek Young Classical Musicians For National Radio Broadcasts

Cedar Rapids, IA - From the Top, the preeminent showcase for America’s best young classical musicians hosted by acclaimed concert pianist Christopher O’Riley, will hold live auditions at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids on Saturday, December 12.

In an exciting partnership with Orchestra Iowa, From the Top will tape two broadcasts of its weekly hour-long NPR program heard on Iowa Public Radio this season. Tapings are scheduled at the Englert Theatre in Iowa City on Wednesday, February 24, 2010 and the Fisher Theatre in Ames on Tuesday, May 18, 2010. These broadcasts are part of a multi-year residency called Iowa Makes Music to bring the excitement of classical music to Iowa kids and families through broadcasts, educational programs and leadership opportunities for Iowa youth. Learn more at IowaMakesMusic.org.

From the Top welcomes audition entries from young classical musicians, ages 8 to 18 who have not graduated from high school. Solo performers on all instruments, as well as instrumental or vocal ensembles and composers are welcome. From the Top also invites applications for its Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award. This scholarship of up to $10,000 is given to approximately 25 deserving pre-college classical musicians a year for instrument purchases and summer music program tuition. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and high levels of artistic achievement.

From the Top’s live auditions will be held at Mount Mercy College in Cedar Rapids by appointment on December 12, 2009. Application and scholarship information is available online at www.fromthetop.org. To learn more and sign up for an audition slot call 617-437-0707 x134 or auditions@fromthetop.org before December 1. Audition slots will be filled on a first-come first serve basis. Recorded auditions are accepted on a rolling admissions basis and are encouraged for those unable to attend the Cedar Rapids audition.

ABOUT FROM THE TOP
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. Learn more at www.fromthetop.org. Media inquiries for From the Top can be directed to Erin Haran MacCurtain, Marketing Manager at 617-437-0707 x117 or emaccurtain@fromthetop.org.

ABOUT ORCHESTRA IOWA
Orchestra Iowa, formerly the Cedar Rapids Symphony, held its inaugural concert on April 13, 1921 and has since become Iowa’s premier orchestra, with an annual budget of over $2 million. Performing 32 Classical, Pops, Chamber, Youth and Discovery concerts yearly, Orchestra Iowa maintains a significant economic presence in the community. A professional orchestra with 83 musicians contracted for an average of 60 rehearsals/concerts, the symphony’s annual concert season runs from September to May. Please direct media questions to Christy Frost, Communications Director, at 319-366-8206 or cfrost@orchestraiowa.org.

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