What started as an experiment nearly a decade ago has become one of the most popular weekly classical music shows on National Public Radio.

"From the Top" began modestly at the New England Conservatory in 2000, and it quickly became one of the most listened to programs on public radio. Today, it's broadcast on 270 radio stations across the country and reaches a weekly audience of 700,000 listeners. Locally, it can be heard on Classical 89 KBYU-FM Saturdays at 6 p.m.

While the show has its home in Boston, host and pianist Christopher O'Riley tapes a number of episodes on the road each year. And on Friday, "From the Top" will be in Salt Lake City for a live taping in Libby Gardner Concert Hall.

Among the participants on the show is the Gifted Music School Orchestra, a group of 17 young string players organized and led by the school's director, Eugene Watanabe.

"These kids represent the finest talent among string players in the state," Watanabe told the Deseret News. "Among them is Aubree Oliversen, who was selected to perform on Salute to Youth (last week)."

The members of the orchestra range in age from 8 to 18, and all are very dedicated to playing music, Watanabe said. "They play from memory, of course, and they are very committed to what they do."

For the past two years, Watanabe has been working on getting the school established and running. It's a fully endowed school with full academics along with its emphasis on music.

"Our goal is to establish a conservatory on scholarship like Curtis. It's been a huge project, but we've received support from Curtis and Juilliard, and now we have a lot of kids who come here from other countries."

O'Riley had heard about the school and was interested in having the orchestra on "From the Top." "He was excited about our project, so we went through the selection process and were accepted," Watanabe said. "It's a huge honor for us to be on the show."

Besides the orchestra, several musicians from Utah and elsewhere will be showcased. Also performing on the show will be 17-year-old violist Jossalyn Jensen from Springville; 15-year-old pianist Weiyi Le from Layton; 15-year-old marimba player John Ringor from Chicago; and 10-year-old trumpeter Natalie Dungey from Issaquah, Wash.

After the taping, there will be a ticketed reception in Gardner Hall.

This episode will air on KBYU-FM on Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. with a repeat broadcast on Nov. 29 at 2 p.m.

IF YOU GO …

What: "From the Top"

Where: Libby Gardner Concert Hall, University of Utah

When: Oct. 9, 7:30 p.m.

How much: $25 general admission, $10 students (show only); $50 and $35 (show and reception)

Phone: 801-581-7100

Web: www.kingtix.com

e-mail: ereichel@desnews.com