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Sunday, December 14, 2025
— a “hybrid” event —
Claire and Topher
Claire Ruggiero, narrator
Topher Ruggiero, piano
Babar and Peter
Tales Told in Music
Step into a world where stories leap off the page and come alive at the piano! Join us for an enchanting program featuring two of classical music’s most beloved tales: Poulenc’s L’Histoire de Babar, the charming adventure of everyone’s favorite elephant, and Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf, the timeless story where each character springs to life through unforgettable musical themes. With a dynamic narrator and the piano as the storyteller’s palette, this concert is perfect for children, families, and anyone young at heart. Expect laughter, suspense, and magical music that paints pictures in the imagination.
BIOGRAPHY
Topher Ruggiero is a classical pianist, educator, collaborator, and a promoter of new music.
Music is something that has been a part of Topher’s life from a very young age. He was fortunate enough to have many talented and influential teachers, mentors, and supporters throughout his growth as a musician. Topher is extremely passionate about continuing and promoting the love of piano and the arts, the importance of music and performance, and the high quality of teaching and education needed to influence musicians of all ages.
As an arts advocate and passionate musician, Topher has performed in a variety of concerts and events including solo, concerto, collaborative, choral, and master class settings.
Topher began his musical career at the age of 10 where he took piano lessons in his hometown of Shrewsbury, New Jersey. His natural talent for piano, influential piano teachers, and many lessons and performances sprung his musical journey forward to Ithaca College where he studied Piano Performance. From there, Topher received his Master’s in Piano Performance at Kent State University and completed his education at Ball State University with a Doctor of Arts degree in Piano Performance and Music Theory.
Throughout his career as a teacher and performer, Topher has worked at several universities, including his most recent as Assistant Professor of Music at Alderson Broaddus University in West Virginia. Currently, Topher serves as the Associate Chair of Piano at Levine Music’s Virginia campus where he manages piano faculty and student placement and teaches a full piano studio. During the summers, he also teaches at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Twin Lake, Michigan. Topher also concertizes throughout the Washington D.C. area as a performing artist with the Friday Morning Music Club, a non-profit organization that promotes the arts and presents free concerts for the community.
In his spare time, Topher enjoys reading, watching sports and movies, exploring restaurants and breweries, and spending time with family and friends. He currently resides in McLean, Virginia with his wife, daughter, son, and two cats.
Claire Ruggiero’s musical journey began in Arcadia, Indiana, where childhood performances in local musicals first opened the door to a world of expression and wonder. Guided by her love for singing, she pursued Music Education and vocal study at Ball State University, learning not just the craft of music, but its ability to shape hearts and minds.
As a general music educator and choir director since 2014, Claire cultivates classrooms filled with curiosity, artistry, and joy. She has served as a Lead Teacher in Arlington County Public Schools, supporting her fellow educators and enriching arts learning across the district. Her time on the board of the Educational Theatre Company in Arlington, Virginia, reflects her belief in the power of theatre to build community and ignite imagination.
To Claire, music is both a refuge and a catalyst—and she is dedicated to helping her students discover the same spark within themselves.
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