Deadline for Minnesota Varsity Is Near

Dec 18, 2013

Do you know talented, young classical musicians and composers? Encourage them to apply for Minnesota Varsity, a showcase for top high-school musical talent in Minnesota and the surrounding area. With the application deadline drawing near, the holiday break is an ideal time for students to prepare their application materials. All that is required is an online application; a recording of an instrumental or vocal performance (smartphone recordings are accepted); or an original score for piano trio (violin, cello, and piano), or any solo or combination of those three instruments. Submit applications by 9 a.m. CT on Thursday, January 9. Complete details and submissions guidelines are available at classicalmpr.org/varsity.

What is Minnesota Varsity? Minnesota music students ages14-18 (grades 9-12) as well as those who live or attend school outside Minnesota within MPR's listening area are invited to submit a recording of themselves performing. The recording does not have to be professional quality and can be as simple as a smartphone recording. Classical and music theater vocalists, instrumental soloists, and small ensembles are all welcome to submit recordings. Performances can be solo or with a group, and can be up to 10 minutes in length.

For the composition category, student composers (also ages 14-18 and grades 9-12) are invited to submit an original score for traditional piano trio: violin, cello, and piano, or for any solo or combination of those instruments, between 3 and 7 minutes in length.

The Showcase Artists will then perform on stage at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on May 4, 2014, in a live radio broadcast. The Showcase Composers' works will be premiered at the Fitzgerald Theater as part of the live broadcast.

Classical MPR is committed to recognizing and showcasing the amazing musical talent among this age group in our region, encouraging participation in music and giving selected students the opportunity to participate in a professional recording session at MPR headquarters in St. Paul.