From the Top & Carnegie Hall Announce Big Break Contest for Best Young Musicians

From the Top and Carnegie Hall today announced Big Break, a new online contest that offers young musicians the chance to compete for a spot on NPR's From the Top national radio broadcast, hosted by Christopher O'Riley, as well as an opportunity to grace the stage at Carnegie Hall, performing in a Carnegie Hall Family Concert in Zankel Hall in spring 2011.

From October 18 to November 18, musicians ages 8-18 who are United States residents are invited to submit a video of a solo classical performance at YouTube.com/BigBreak. (For musicians age 13 and younger, entries must be submitted by a parent or guardian.) All Big Break entries received by November 18 will be reviewed by a panel of judges at From the Top and Carnegie Hall who will select a group of finalists to move on to a public voting stage, beginning in late November. Public voting will begin around November 29 and end on December 14. The Big Break's grand-prize winner selected by the public will appear on an upcoming national radio broadcast of From the Top on NPR with host Christopher O'Riley. The grand-prize winner plus several runners-up will also perform at a Carnegie Hall Family Concert on April 9 in Zankel Hall, produced in partnership with From the Top and hosted by Mr. O'Riley. Big Break winners will be announced in mid-December.

Each year, From the Top receives thousands of applications from young classical musicians across the country wishing to appear on its radio and television broadcasts. This contest marks the first time that From the Top will open that audition process to the public, inviting them to help identify their favorite performers. Carnegie Hall, with its deep commitment to programs that nurture young talent and encourage musicians to aspire to excellence, is happy to continue its partnership with From the Top, offering Big Break musicians the opportunity to perform on its popular Family Concert series.

About From the Top
For the past decade, From the Top hosted by Christopher O'Riley has been the preeminent showcase for America's best young classical musicians. Through award-winning NPR and PBS programs, online media, a national tour of live events, community and leadership programs for young musicians, From the Top shares the stories and performances of pre-collegiate musicians with millions each week. Each program provides a compelling and entertaining window into the world of a diverse group of young people who pursue life with passion, determination, and joy. For more information, please visit: fromthetop.org.

About Carnegie Hall
Founded in 1891, Carnegie Hall presents performances by the world's finest artists on its three great stages-the renownEd Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage, the intimate Weill RecitAl Hall, and the innovative Zankel Hall-ranging from orchestral concerts, chamber music, and solo recitals to jazz, world, and popular music. Extensive music education programs developed by Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute serve people in New York City, across the US, and around the globe, playing a central role in Carnegie Hall's commitment to making great music accessible to as many people as possible. For more information about Carnegie Hall, please visit carnegiehall.org.