You fans of “From the Top” might be interested in this press release I received in my email yesterday afternoon:

Dear fans,

I am writing to you with some difficult news to share. We announced today that we will not be renewing radio host Christopher O’Riley’s contract next season.

I’m sure this comes as a surprise; after all, Chris has been with From the Top from the very beginning. He’s been dedicated to our mission from day one, and has made a huge contribution to the music industry with his commitment to pushing musical boundaries and introducing new audiences to classical music.

Despite the fact that we were not able to reach an agreement, we are deeply grateful to Chris for his work over nearly two decades. He is currently starring in the twice-extended Off-Broadway hit, “Symphonie Fantastique,” playing in New York City, and we wish him all the best in that and his next creative endeavors.

I did want to assure Chris’ fans that the shows Chris has recorded recently will air over the next few months. Beginning in Fall 2018, you’ll start to hear shows recorded with guest hosts. If you are interested in knowing more about our first guest host, who happens to be one of our From the Top alumni, please read more here: https://www.fromthetop.org/musician/peter-dugan/

I came to From the Top this past spring because, first and foremost, I was a fan of the radio show, and believed powerfully in From the Top’s mission to support young musicians. I am looking forward to working with our talented team of producers and staff to keep From the Top going strong. I am also hopeful that new collaborations with our alumni and guest hosts will begin to add new voices and perspectives to our programs, helping us to serve more young artists and reach a broad audience of fans around the country.

Please feel free to share your thoughts or feedback with us by replying to this email.

Gretchen Nielsen

Executive Director, From the Top

No mention of an “agreement” in the official notice posted on the “From the Top” website:

From the Top Announces Hosting Changes

Snippet of O’Riley doing his thing on “From the Top:”

More about “Symphonie Fantastique:”

https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/04/theater/symphonie-fantastique-review-basil-twist.html