Richard performs on Show 487.

Richard Celiceo (Violin), 17, is currently a senior at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts in New York City. He began his musical journey in first grade through the Kaufman Music Center outreach program, studying with Samuel Marchan, and is currently a student in The Juilliard School Music Advancement Program (MAP), studying with Kiwon Nahm.

Richard has had the opportunity to participate in several music programs, including the New York Philharmonic Youth Orchestra Initiative, YOLA National, Interlochen Arts Camp (both as part of the World Youth Symphony Orchestra and the one-week violin intensive program), and most recently National Youth Orchestra (NYO2) in 2025. Richard has also performed in masterclasses with Samuel Vargas, Jun Iwasaki, Bella Horvath, Sheryl Staples, Simon Bernardini, and Igor Pikayzen.

In addition to performing, Richard is passionate about expanding access to music education. He is a founding member of his former teacher’s El Sistema-inspired music program, East River Children and Youth Orchestras (ERCAYO), where he mentors and teaches younger students the fundamentals of violin playing. He believes every child deserves the opportunity to experience and learn music, and he hopes to continue using music to inspire, connect, and create real impact and social change.

Outside of music, Richard enjoys spending time with friends, biking, and exploring new places.

Receiving the Award will primarily allow Richard to purchase a new violin. However, the award funds will also pay for consultation lessons as well as support the travel and lodging needs associated with his upcoming college auditions.

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.