ATHENS — One of public radio’s most popular programs returns to Athens when the UGA Performing Arts Center presents “From the Top” at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, in Hodgson Concert Hall. The episode will tape before a live audience and air nationally the week of April 29.

Hosted by Christopher O’Riley, “From the Top” celebrates the power of music in the hands of extraordinary young people.

In 13 years, the show has recorded more than 280 radio broadcasts across the country and around the world, featuring more than 2,500 young artists, ages 8 to 18.

“From the Top” is distributed by NPR to nearly 250 stations coast-to-coast and is the most popular weekly classical music program on public radio.

The format of the show allows the performers to share their stories in compelling and often humorous ways.

Founded by the New England Conservatory and WGBH in Boston, “From the Top” provides scholarships and performance opportunities for young artists so they might serve as role models for all ages and inspire audiences with a new appreciation for classical music.

O’Riley is an internationally renowned classical pianist and the recipient of top prizes and awards from the Van Cliburn Competition and the Avery Fisher Career Grants. In addition to performing with the world’s major orchestras, O’Riley has won acclaim for his interpretations of contemporary popular music, drawing from the works of Radiohead, Nirvana, R.E.M., Pink Floyd and Tori Amos.

Tom Vignieri, production manager for From the Top, will give a pre-concert lecture 45 minutes prior to the performance. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Tickets for “From the Top” are $20-$54 with special discounts for UGA students. Tickets can be purchased online at pac.uga.edu or by calling the box office at 706-542-4400 or toll free at 888-289-8497.