17 year old virtuoso on NPR?

richj50 · Veteran Member Joined: 02 Dec 2001 Posts: 370

Anyone know the guy who played last weekend on the NPR program "From the Top"? I can't remember his name, but he played the Jolivet Concertino (this is one of the pieces that Marsalis recorded with the Tomasi on the CBS album from the mid 80s)with piano extremely well before a live audience in Jordan Hall. He barely missed anything, if anything, and sounded absolutely rock solid throughout. I've heard that piece played far worse by some established professional players.

If you're out there on this board -- Bravo!

Rich

CTeneyck · Posted: Tue Feb 12, 2002 10:00 am Post subject:

THe web site is http://www.fromthetop.org -- but I didn't see any trumpeters recently. It's a terrific show.

gustav · Posted: Sun Feb 17, 2002 3:00 pm Post subject:

I know of whom you are talking about. he is from Atlanta,Ga and his name is Wheley i believe that might not be the correct spelling. I talked to my teacher about him several weeks ago. His teacher is Joe Watlhal a member of the Atlanta Symphony. I have the mp3 of the performance and thought it was wonderful. From what i understand he gave up a full ride to Julliard instead going to Havard for pre law.

lemonwedge · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2002 5:21 pm Post subject:

His name is John Lee Joseph Armstrong, 17, from TN. Its on the audio show page area, on the web page posted above. The show is Jan 28-Feb 11, he is the last person listed. If you have Real Player you can listen to the whole piece. Pretty impressive!
Hech, I'm in my last year of law school, and I just realized all I really want to do is play trumpet. Go figure?

trjeam · Posted: Tue Feb 19, 2002 6:51 pm Post subject:

WoW he was very good. I just heard the sound clip. Shows that I have a long way to go.