Classical MPR has announced the finalists in its sixth annual Minnesota Varsity classical music showcase for young musicians and composers!
Minnesota Varsity 2016 Showcase Artists:
• Abigail Hansen, harp, Owatonna, Minn.
• Anders Peterson, B-flat clarinet, Northfield, Minn.
• Mark Prihodko, cello, Faribault, Minn.
• Kimberly Shen, piano, Arden Hills, Minn.
Showcase Artist selected by audience vote:
• Claire Gunsbury, flute, Nisswa, Minn.
Minnesota Varsity 2016 Showcase Composers, selected by ACF:
• Seamus Hubbard Flynn, St. Paul, Minn.
• Austin Kraft, Savage, Minn.
To participate in Minnesota Varsity, musicians ages 14-18 from around the region were asked to submit a recording of themselves performing. Student composers (also ages 14-18) were invited to submit an original score for male tenor voice, violin, viola, and cello between 3 and 7 minutes in length. For a fourth year, American Composers Forum (ACF) is a partner with MPR in the Composition category.
Our thanks to this year's Showcase Round judges:
• Michael Adams, Violist, Minnesota Orchestra
• Michael Barone, Host and Executive Producer of Pipedreams, American Public Media
• Michele Frisch, Principal Flute, Minnesota Opera and VocalEssence
• Tim Lovelace, Pianist, Professor of Collaborative Piano & Coaching, University of Minnesota
• Stephen Ramsey, Music Director/Conductor, Dakota Valley Symphony & Chorus, Austin Symphony
Tickets
The Minnesota Varsity Showcase Concert featuring these performers and the works of these composers takes place on Sunday, May 1, 2016. Admission is free and open to the public but a ticket is required. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Fitzgerald Theater Box Office at 651-290-1200, or by visiting the Fitzgerald Theater website.
Minnesota Varsity is supported by the generosity of these foundations and individuals: Kay and Gerry Erickson; Margaret H. and James E. Kelley Foundation; Andy Kiorpes and Farrel Rich; The Newhall Schleuss Family Foundation; Stephen Otto; Ed and Jenni Ryan; Saunders Therapy Centers; Kay Savik and Joe Tashjian; Bob and Jean Spong; and the Irma Wyman Endowment for Classical Education.
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