A popular National Public Radio program is headed to Abilene. The nationally broadcast classical music show, “From the Top”, will perform Nov. 16 at First Baptist Church of Abilene. The concert will be recorded by on-campus NPR-affiliate station KACU-FM.

“‘From the Top’ is one of the few classical music shows that spotlights young musical talent,” said Blane Singletary, junior electronic media major from Abilene and student announcer at KACU-FM.

Well-known concert pianist Christopher O’Riley hosts “From the Top.” After interviewing the talented young musicians, O’Riley allows them to play a classical composition of their choice. The show, now in its 10th year, encourages young performers to share their musical gifts with millions of listeners each week.

Five young musicians will perform, including one of Abilene’s own. Halle Puckett is a 12-year-old pianist and student at Craig Middle School.  She is the youngest of the performers set to perform at the broadcast.

“This show is a stepping-off point for these young musicians. Sometimes O’Riley will check back with past guests, and they have gone on to play in the New York Philharmonic and things like that,” Singletary said.

“From the Top” is dedicated to helping these young musicians develop their talents. In 2005, the show partnered with the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and New England Conservatory to offer scholarships opportunities. Over $1 million have been awarded to young musicians.

“We hope to get a lot of college students and high-schoolers in the audience, so they can see these kids are just like them, and through talent and practice they can achieve the same things,” said John Best, KACU-FM Director of Broadcast Operations.

Halle will perform Moritz Moszkowski’s Etude in F major, Op. 72, No. 6.

The other musicians on the roster include Austin Allen, marimba percussionist from McKinney, Taeguk Mun, cellist from New York, N.Y., and organists  Karen Christianson from Media, Pa. and  Eric Fricke from Benton, Pa.

Christianson and Fricke will perform on the First Baptist Church’s $1.2 million Shelton organ.

“These two young organists could be considered the best in the United States,” Best said. “These kids will really show the magnitude and power of the organ. The organ is actually one of the reasons we chose this location for the event.”

Best said the concert will represent a broad spectrum of the young talent that exists throughout the country.

“Hearing the two young performers playing the organ is one of the main reasons I am attending,” said Sandy Byers, KACU-FM Traffic Manager. “I am also eager to hear the talent of all the young musicians. It is amazing to see how much talent they have.”

This is not the first time that “From the Top” has visited Abilene. Five years ago, KACU invited the show to Abilene for a concert at the downtown Paramount Theatre. Best has been working behind the scenes for three years to get the show back to Abilene, and listeners have supported his efforts.

“We pretty much sold out the Paramount. I still have people ask me when “From the Top” will return to Abilene,” Best said.

“These types of events are great to showcase KACU and bring the station to the forefront. After 25 years of operation, there are still people out there that don’t know KACU brings news, entertainment, even classical music,” Best said.

“From the Top” will be performed live from First Baptist Church of Abilene on Nov.16 beginning at 7:30 p.m. The segment will air nationally on NPR on Dec. 27. Each episode of “From the Top” can be heard on 89.7 KACU-FM on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 1 p.m.

Tickets are available for $20 for adults, $15 for KACU members and $10 for students at the KACU-FM office, located on the first floor of the Don Morris Center. For more information, visit KACU-FM website, www.kacu.org, or call 674-2441.