From the Top, the nationally-distributed NPR program and podcast that celebrates the voices and talents of America’s brightest young classical musicians, will bring its next live taping event to Merrill Auditorium, Wednesday, Nov. 20, at 7 p.m., presented by Portland Ovations. Among the performers will be violinist Joshua Rosenthal of Damariscotta and soprano Annabel Parker of Rockport.

This presentation of From the Top is part of Ovations’ Maine Bicentennial Series, promoting Maine artists, places, and histories that have been less visible. During From the Top, young performers share their passion for classical music through performance and conversation, giving insight into their unique worlds, from musical pursuits to day-in-the-life musings.

Rosenthal studies violin with Lynn Chang at New England Conservatory Preparatory School, where he is Concertmaster of the NEC Youth Symphony Orchestra. This past summer he attended Green Mountain Chamber Music Festival. He will perform Mark O’Conner’s “Limerock” with From the Top alum and Bay Chamber Music violinist Josie Davis.

Parker, a senior at Camden Hills Regional School. She studies voice with Kathryn DerMarderosian and piano with Jim Nga at Bay Chamber Music School. She earned the Ezra Rachlin Prize of Excellence at the Young Stars of Maine Program through Bay Chamber Concerts and Music School. She will be performing Benedetto Marcello’s “Quella faimma che m’accende.” 

Other youth performers hail from New York, California and Pennsylvania.

From the Top will tape two episodes during the Nov. 20 concert in Portland. These broadcasts will air on participating stations and by podcast during the weeks of Dec. 16, and Jan. 6. From the Top is heard Saturdays, at 5 p.m., on Maine Public Classical.

“From the Top’s live concert recordings are just one part of a larger, all-encompassing experience for each of the young musicians, who will also participate in leadership training, community engagement activities, and career development workshops designed to enrich both personal and artistic growth,” said Portland Ovations, in a news release.

Guest host/concert pianist Orli Shaham served as guest host on From the Top last season. In addition to performing concertos and recitals around the world, she created and hosts a live interactive concert series for young children. Orli Shaham’s Bach Yard (formerly Baby Got Bach) was founded in 2010.

This concert event is made possible by support from the Onion Foundation and media sponsor Maine Public.

For tickets and information: https://portlandovations.org/event/nprs-from-the-top/. The Merrill Auditorium is at 20 Myrtle St., Portland.