VOTE: Support Minnetonka's Eric Sargent on MPR

A Minnetonka High School student was chosen as one of five Showcase Artists in Minnesota Public Radio's Varsity Contest.

Eric Sargent was selected as one of the Showcase Artists. Young musicians, ages 14-18, from around the state were asked to submit a recording of themselves performing. 

A free concert featuring the winners will be hosted at Fitzgerald Theater at 5 p.m. on April 28 (10 East Exchange Street in St. Paul). 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.

The 2013 Minnesota Varsity Showcase will include performances by the five Showcase Artists and works by the two Showcase Composers.

During the event, audience members and radio listeners (via the web) will have the chance to participate in the “Encore Vote,” with the winner performing the encore at the concert. Vote by going here.

"It was probably one of the most unique opportunities I've had singing," Sargent said about his experience with MPR. "It's the closest I've come to what I want to do after college as a career."

Classical MPR staff received more than 90 submissions from across the state. From them, 15 were chosen as Featured Artists and 4 were chosen as Featured Composers. The student musicians received a professional recording session at MPR’s studios and their music was broadcast on Classical MPR in March. (Hear Sargent's recording above.)

Sargent was recently accepted to Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio. "The campus was really impressive, and the vocal specialty there is very good," he said. Sargent had a few private voice lessons while he was there, and he said he "really clicked" with the voice professors and the head of the department.

This weekend is also opening weekend for "Aida" at Minnetonka High School, and an extremely busy one for Sargent who plays Zoser in the musical.

TUNE IN: Classical MPR can be heard in the Twin Cities on KSJN 99.5 FM. A complete list of Classical MPR stations can be accessed online: go to ClassicalMPR.org, and click on "stations.” Listeners can hear the live broadcast of the Minnesota Varsity Showcase Concert on Sunday, April 28 at 5 p.m.

Read more about Eric Sargent:

• Minnetonka High School's Eric Sargent Performed Tuesday on MPR

• VIDEO: Tickets on Sale for 'Aida'

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