Brainerd High School junior Claire Gunsbury was named a finalist in Classical Minnesota Public Radio's sixth annual Minnesota Varsity Classical Music Showcase for young musicians and composers.
Gunsbury, 16, the daughter of Brent and Jenny Gunsbury of Nisswa, plays the flute. She was named a showcase artist finalist selected by audience vote. Gunsbury is a member of BHS Wind Symphony, Minnesota All-State Orchestra, Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony and a flutist in their Symphony Orchestra. She also is a member of the Key Club, where she's the liaison for Region 6 of the MinnDak District.
"Reaching the Showcase Artist level will help achieve my goal of becoming a professional musician by opening doors to other incredible opportunities," Gunsbury stated in an email. "I have many members of the community and my family to thank for such kind inspiration and encouragement. I am incredibly grateful to everyone in the community who voted and shared the message to vote with others, and it means so much to me to have the chance to perform in such a wonderful venue as the Fitzgerald Theater on May 1."
Gunsbury submitted a flute solo titled "Image" by Eugene Bozza for the showcase. The piece is 4 minutes, 4 seconds long. Gunsbury's music can be heard by going to www.classicalmpr.org/story/2016/01/04/minnesota-varsity-claire-gunsbury, on MPR's website.
To participate in Minnesota Varsity, musicians ages 14-18 from around the region were asked to submit a recording of themselves performing. Student composers were invited to submit an original score for tenor voice and string trio-violin, viola and cello-or any solo or combination of those instruments. For a fourth year, American Composers Forum is a partner with MPR in the Composition category.
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Gunsbury and the other showcase artists finalists will perform May 1 at MPR's Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul for a live theater and radio broadcast.
The Minnesota Varsity Showcase concert will also be May 1 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.
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.
JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 218-855-5851. Follow me at www.twitter.com/jennewsgirl on Twitter.
