From the Top

New England Conservatory is a cauldron of new ideas, some so big that they become organizations in their own right. We proudly showcase these partners.

From the Top returns to its home at NEC's Jordan Hall to tape its NPR radio program, a national radio show founded at NEC.

Hosted by pianist Christopher O'Riley '81 A.D., this taping occurs before a live audience with a healthy representation of NEC Preparatory students among the participants.

The broadcast taping features:

15-year-old pianist Vanessa Meiling Haynes from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts
Vanessa studies at New England Conservatory with Hung Kuan Chen and Tema Blackstone. Vanessa was the 2nd prize winner of the David D. Dubois Piano Competition which was judged by Christopher O'Riley. She is homeschooled and attends a distance learning program through Indiana University online. In addition to piano, she enjoys sports, including fencing, as well as cooking, baking, and music from movies.

18-year-old recorder player Bryan Duerfeldt from Bloomington, Minnesota

13-year-old cellist Sebastian Stoger from New York, New York

9-year-old violinist Elizabeth Aoki from Cresskill, New Jersey
performing Introduction and Tarantelle, Op. 43, by Pablo de Sarasate

18-year-old bass-baritone Guan Bo "William" Su from Beijing, China
performing "Amor marinaro" ("Sailor's love"), by Gaetano Donizetti
William studies with Angela Gooch and sings in the NEC Youth Chorale. He is a student at the Walnut Hill School for the Arts.