Veteran 'From the Top' TV & Radio Host Christopher O'Riley Let Go

It has been announced that 'From the Top' veteran host Christopher O'Riley will not be returning to the role for the 2018-2019 season

It has been announced this week that From the Top veteran radio and tv host Christopher O'Riley will not be returning to the role for the 2018-2019 season.

The 61-year-old pianist has hosted the American National Public Radio and PBS Television classical music showcase programme for the past 18 years.

“Chris has been dedicated to From the Top’s mission from the beginning ...” Executive Director Gretchen Nielsen has said.

“We are grateful for his commitment to showcasing outstanding young musicians, and for the impact he’s made on America’s musical landscape ... we wish him all the best with his future projects,” she has said.

VC ARTIST CHARLES YANG & CHRISTOPHER O'RILEY | VITALI | CHACCONE IN G MINOR | FROM THE TOP | SHOW 230 | 2011

Over the past 18 years the show has featured a large selection of outstanding young string soloists - including VC Young Artists Chad Hoopes, Kevin Muira, Ben Beilman, Brannon Cho, Francisco Fullana, Zlatomir Fung, William Hagen, Bella Hristova, Sirena Huang, Alexi Kenney, Tessa Lark Yesong Sophie Lee, Bryan Lee, Joel Link, Matt Lipman, Nathan Meltzer, Simone Porter and Stephen Waarts.

"I am grateful to the 1,000s of young musicians with whom it's been my privilege to collaborate, and whose performances and personalities will remain with me as life-enhancing events and indelible learning experiences ..." Christopher has said via social media.

"I am grateful to the stations who carried the show out of fervent, omnipresent zeal for the inherent greatness of This Music and the impassioned and inspired advocacy of its next generation ... I am grateful to the listeners who were friends and fans to all of us," he has said.

From the Top will now feature a series of guest hosts, including alumni, the show has indicated.