18-year-old Peter Olmeda from Winchester, Massachusetts, delivers a captivating performance of Adolphus Hailstork’s Theme and Variations on “Draw the Sacred Circle Closer.” The composition begins with a theme evocative of African American spirituals, followed by five variations that explore a range of musical styles and techniques. Peter’s seamless transitions between styles are matched by the maturity and depth of his interpretation.
Winchester, Massachusetts Peter performs on Show 455.
Pete Olmeda (cello), 18, from Winchester, Massachusetts, is an aspiring cellist and biologist. He is an enthusiastic ensemble musician having performed in several orchestras.He was a member of the San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra from 2020 to 2023, reaching the finals of their concerto competition in 2023. Peter was also a member of multiple orchestras with the Sacramento Youth Symphony, most notably as the principal cellist of their Premier Orchestra’s European Tour. During the 2023/24 season, Peter performed as a member of the New England Conservatory’s Youth Philharmonic Orchestra. He currently plays with the Boston Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Peter also enjoys sharing music as a form of community outreach. As a member of a quartet, he has performed at charity events such as the Children for Children Showcase Concert to benefit Child Advocates of Nevada County, Keaton Raphael Child Cancer Organization, Chalk it Up Sacramento, the Loomis, CA Eggplant Festival, and the Sacramento Farm to Fork Festival. As a duet member, he has performed at the Sphinx Organization Songs for Seniors for AETNA Health, the Davis Community Church Weekly Luncheons for the Homeless, and the Sacramento International Airport Holiday Music Series. Peter currently studies with Mr. Mark Churchill. When he is not playing music, Peter enjoys science, reading, creative writing, biking, and debating topics in neuroscience and psychology.
Music has the unique ability to bring joy to our lives – especially in the hands of young people. Daily Joy is a reminder of music’s power to uplift, inspire, and unite.
Daily Joy is a project of From the Top. It began in the very early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and continues today to offer a much-needed respite from the anxiety and worry that we encounter in the world.
From the Top is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating the stories and artistry of young musicians through media and leadership programs. Learn more.
From the Top is grateful to the Richard K. Lubin Family Foundation for their generous support of Daily Joy.
Have questions? Email us at info@fromthetop.org.
HELP US SPREAD JOY!
We started Daily Joy as a reminder that music has the power to lift our spirits and make us smile.
We need your help to keep the joy coming! Make a tax-deductible donation today to support our work and help us spread joy!
Daily Joy is a program of From the Top, an independent non-profit organization that relies on support from individuals. Your support will help ensure From the Top's work of celebrating the joy, talents, and stories of extraordinary young musicians.