VIDEO: MPR Picks Minnetonka's Eric Sargent as 'Showcase Artist'

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

Classical MPR announced Tuesday that Eric Sargent is one of the Showcase Artists. Young musicians, ages 14-18, from around the state were asked to submit a recording of themselves performing. 

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.)

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. 

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 (Burnsville)

Showcase Composers:

• Austin Kraft (Savage)

• Grant Luhmann (Lino Lakes)

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'