From the Top at Carnegie Hall Video Podcast | PBS

Travis Johnson performs

Travis Johnson is a 14-year-old classical guitarist from Milwaukie, Oregon. Travis chose the wood for his own custom-made guitar on which he performs Boppin’ by Bryan Johanson, a piece commissioned for him.

MacKenzie Melemed performs

MacKenzie Melemed is a 12-year-old pianist from Paxton, Massachusetts. MacKenzie is a bowling champion and a master magician in addition to being a skilled pianist. His pursuit of the piano has enabled him to meet President Bush, Rosie O’Donnell, and Marvin Hamlishch. On the stage of Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, MacKenzie plays Sonata No. 1 in F minor, Op. 1 by Sergei Prokofiev.

Jingchen Sun performs

Jingchen Sun is a 17-year-old marimba player from Elmhurst, New York. Inspired by a chance meeting with the great marimba player and composer Keiko Abe, Jingchen gives an energetic performance of Ultimatum I by Nebojsa Jovan Zivkovic in front of a live audience at Carnegie Hall.

Jingchen Sun at home

Jingchen Sun is a 17-year-old marimba player from Elmhurst, New York. Jingchen moved to New York City after her father sold the family’s home in China to pay for her marimba. She now studies at Julliard.

Matthew Lipman performs

Matthew Lipman is a 16-year-old violist from outside Chicago, Illinois. On the stage of Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, Matthew plays La Campanella by Niccolo Paganini, accompanied by host Christopher O’Riley.