Reviewed by: Pat Byington
ASFA junior selected to perform on prestigious NPR show for young musicians
Reading time: 2 minutes
An 11th-grade pianist from the Alabama School of Fine Arts will perform his music to be aired on NPR’s From the Top in 2026.
From the Top is one of the nation’s most prestigious platforms for showcasing extraordinary young musicians. It is the the most popular one-hour weekly syndicated classical program on public radio, created with the intention to show that classical music is alive with today’s youth.
Henry Joseph Hewitt discovered his passion for piano during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in 2020, when he decided to fully devote himself to music.
Originally from Mobile, he studied under Dr. Robert Holm at the University of South Alabama and began winning medals in local competitions.
At ASFA, he studies piano with Dr. Lucy DeSa and continues to rack up recognitions for his talent.
“Henry’s artistry, dedication, and stunning musicianship have earned him a place among the top young performers in the country, and we couldn’t be more proud.”
Alabama School of Fine Arts
From the Top airs on many public radio stations across the country, but it is also available as a weekly podcast. Hewitt’s episode will air sometime in 2026.
As part of his selection for the program, he will be a fellow in From the Top’s Learning and Media Lab, in which he will complete a six-week online curriculum with a cohort of peers. The fellowship covers career opportunities in the arts, audio production, community engagement and more.
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