A Repertoire Without Boundaries

Christopher O’Riley is widely considered to be one of the leading classical pianists of our time. You may know him as the host of the radio program From the Top, which champions young musicians in onstage performances. 

In recent years, he’s been mixing it up a bit in his own performances. Along with Chopin and Shostakovich, he plays tunes by rock bands like Radiohead and Cocteau Twins. This weekend, O’Riley brings his unique crossover repertoire to Emory University’s Schwartz Center.

Christopher O’Riley talked with host John Lemley from his home—about his style, this weekend’s program, and removing the “elitist” label from classical music. John began by asking him, “Why Radiohead?”