Ashley performs on Show 432.

Ashley Chiang (French Horn), 16, is a junior at Leman Manhattan Preparatory School. Originally from Taipei, Taiwan, Ashley began her horn study in the third grade as part of her elementary school’s music class. After meeting Brad Gemeinhardt at the Interlochen Arts Camp, she is now his full-time student at Juilliard Pre-College in New York City.

Before attending The Juilliard School, Ashley performed in the Taipei Wind Orchestra & Symphony Band for seven years and the Affiliated Senior High School of National Taiwan Normal University Symphony Orchestra (HSNUSO) for four years. She began competing in the fourth grade and has been the recipient of numerous awards. These include first prize in the Taipei Cultural Cup Music Competition, Taipei Asia Pacific Band Competition, and the Medici International Music Competition, Youth Talent division. She also won second prize in the Taipei Student Music Competition, and the Music & Star Awards. In the summer of 2022, Ashley attended the Interlochen Arts Camp on full scholarship. While there, she was selected for the opportunity to perform in the final concert, and was presented with the Fine Arts Award.

Ashley has had the opportunity to perform in several masterclasses over the years, including with Peter Landgren, Scott Strong, Jaclyn Rainey, Corbin Wagner, Bruce Henniss, Katie Jordan, Rachel Velvikis, Margaret Tung, Jamiee Reynolds, and Leelanee Sterrett. In addition, with the support of sponsors in Taiwan, Ashley has had the opportunity to perform two solo recitals in her home country.

Receiving the Award will allow Ashley to attend a summer program and give her the opportunity to take consultation lessons with prospective college teachers. The scholarship funds will also aid in covering the cost of upcoming college audition travel.

Peter was named Host of From the Top in January 2020.

Peter Dugan’s position is sponsored by Susan and Gerald Slavet.

Peter first appeared on From the Top Show 158, recorded in April 2007, at age 18.

Peter Dugan prizes versatility as the hallmark of today’s musician and advocates for a classical music culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all. That approach has manifested in a multifaceted and dynamic career as a pianist, composer, collaborator, and radio host.

A musician equally at home in classical, jazz, and pop idioms, he has appeared as soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician across North America and around the world. His performance of Ives’ Fourth Symphony with the San Francisco Symphony and Michael Tilson Thomas was described by the Los Angeles Times as “stunning” and by the San Francisco Chronicle as “fearlessly athletic” and was recorded for release; he subsequently performed the work with the Houston Symphony with Andrés Orozco-Estrada. Other orchestral appearances include the Delaware, Kansas City, New Albany, Johnstown and Mankato symphonies; Philadelphia Youth Orchestra and the Annapolis Chamber Orchestra.

Peter is heard on radios nationwide weekly as host of NPR’s From the Top, which aims to celebrate and empower young musicians. His approach stems from his commitment to sharing classical music through his warm-hearted openness to young voices; in addition to hosting the show, he leads inspiring collaborations, conversations, and performances with the young artists.

Peter is an active and passionate collaborator who has toured extensively with violinists Joshua Bell and Charles Yang, and baritone John Brancy—partnerships which have resulted in recording projects, documentaries, and music videos, and a first-prize win at the Montreal International Music Competition.

Recent and upcoming highlights include Yang & Dugan Duo appearances at Kristupo and Rheingau music festivals, with the Malaysia Philharmonic and on tour in China; a European tour with Joshua Bell including performances at London’s Wigmore Hall and Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw; collaborations with clarinetist Mark Dover, violinist Tessa Lark, and baritone John Brancy, among others, at the Moab Music Festival, Carmel Music Society, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Cliburn Festival America 250,  Café Carlyle and Kaufman Music Center.

As a composer, Peter has performed his own works everywhere from Carnegie Hall to Joe’s Pub, and his arrangements have been released by Disney+. Peter co-wrote his first concerto with his brother Leonardo Dugan. The jazz-inflected, improvisation-laced “Brothers Concerto” was commissioned and premiered by the Kalamazoo Symphony and Boston Conservatory at Berklee respectively with Peter as soloist in Spring 2026.

He is head of the Artist in Residence program at pianoSonoma and a founding faculty member of the Resonance and Soundboard Institutes at Honeywell Arts Academy.

Peter Dugan holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Juilliard School, where he studied under Matti Raekallio. He resides in Montclair, NJ and is a Yamaha Artist.