Young pianists in ‘Top’ form for National Public Radio performance

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Dominic Cheli, of St. Charles, Mo., takes his turn during a sound check Tuesday afternoon at the Lied Center. He was one of four young prodigies performing piano pieces for National Public Radio's show From

Kansas University’s Lied Center was the latest venue for National Public Radio’s “From the Top,” a program that showcases young classical musicians from throughout the country.

Kansas Public Radio and the International Institute of Young Musicians joined forces to bring “From the Top” to Lawrence and record its first show of exclusively piano music.

Executive producer and founder Jennifer Hurley-Wales said that when she first came up with the show’s concept, people were skeptical. They didn’t think there would be enough teenage classical musicians to fill 18 to 20 shows a year.

“I think a lot of people in our country underestimate the number of talented kids there are in every part of America,” she said.

The show has been on the air for almost nine years.

Four pianists took the stage Tuesday night at the Lied Center to record their songs for the show, which should air sometime in October.

Alan Shi, a 14-year-old Lawrence resident, played Chopin’s “Revolutionary Etude.”

“My teacher chose that for me, but I’ve always really liked the ‘Revolutionary Etude,'” he said. “It used to be my favorite song.”

The other pianists were Sean Yeh, 16, of Libertyville, Ill., Dominic Cheli, 15, of St. Charles, Mo., and Anna Han, 12, of Chandler, Ariz.

Hurley-Wales said the Lied Center was a great spot for the show.

“This is an absolutely beautiful hall. It’s got great acoustics,” she said. “It’s great that you have a place like this in Kansas that celebrates (music) and supports it.”

“From The Top” can be heard on NPR from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Sundays and is hosted by acclaimed concert pianist Christopher O’Riley.