Two Local Teens Named 'Showcase Artists' on Classical MPR

Two budding musicians from Burnsville-Savage will soon take the stage at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul.

Austin Kraft, Savage, and Kristina Butler, of Burnsville, were named showcase artists in Minnesota Public Radio's Varsity Contest, an annual competition put on by Classical MPR.

The contest is open to young musicians, aged 14 to 18. This year, the radio station received over 90 submissions from across the state. From that pool, 15 seminfinalists were chosen to be "featured artists" and four were chosen as "featured composers." All featured musicians were able to show their stuff during a professional recording session at MPR’s studios. Their music was broadcast on Classical MPR in March.

During the third round, the field was narrowed again. Here are the finalists:

Minnesota Varsity 2013 Showcase Artists:

• Eric Sargent, voice (Minnetonka)

• Hartman-Warren-Doyle Trio, piano/violin/cello (Performers are from Spring Lake Park, New Brighton and Minneapolis.)

• Luna Quartet, string quartet (Performers are from Minneapolis and Rogers.)

• Megan Ruan, piano (Arden Hills)

Showcase Artist by Audience Vote: Kristina Butler, voice 

Showcase Composers:

• Austin Kraft (Savage)

• Grant Luhmann (Lino Lakes)

All will perform during a free concert at St. Paul's Fitzgerald Theater at 5 p.m. on April 28. Tickets can be reserved by calling the Fitzgerald Theater Box Office at 651-290-1200.