Where Are They Now? spotlights Minnesota Varsity Featured and Showcase Artists from 2011, 2012 and 2013. Nora Doyle from Minneapolis was a Minnesota Varsity 2011 Featured Artist as a soloist, and a 2013 Showcase Artist as part of an ensemble. She recently got in touch with Classical MPR to share what she's doing now.
Nora Doyle, 2011 Featured Artist (soloist); 2013 Showcase Artist (as part of Hartman-Warren-Doyle Trio)
Cellist
Age: 17
From: Minneapolis
Attends: Southwest High School
I am a senior at Southwest High School, and I'm looking at colleges where I can pursue a degree in cello performance. I hope to be a professional musician and perform chamber music.
Minnesota Varsity was such a great experience for me, performing in the Luna String Quartet as well as with the Hartman-Warren-Doyle Trio (now we call ourselves the Cartesian Trio after the famous philosopher who said, "I think, therefore I am" because we play, therefore we are). Both groups are still enjoying playing together.
I had the privilege of playing and traveling with the National Youth Orchestra of the United States this past summer, and that was an amazing experience. Our soloist was Joshua Bell and we traveled to Moscow, St. Petersburg, and London. In September, The Luna String Quartet performed on NPR's From The Top and we met Henry Johnston, a Minnesota Varsity Showcase Artist from 2011.
In 2012, I was a Featured Artist (as a soloist) and in 2013, I was a Showcase Artist; both experiences were really wonderful. In 2012, I loved doing the concert at the College of St. Benedict, but I really enjoyed being able to play at the Fitzgerald Theater this year. In both concerts, it was great to meet all of the other participants and everyone was very friendly and supportive.
Minnesota Varsity is such an awesome opportunity that has helped me appreciate how widespread musical talent is across the state of Minnesota.
Listen to From the Top this Sunday, Oct. 27, at noon on Classical MPR. The show will feature Doyle as well as 2011 Showcase Artist Henry Johnston, guitar.
Minnesota Varsity 2014 is now open for submissions. Learn how to submit your music here.
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