Where Are They Now? spotlights Minnesota Varsity Featured and Showcase Artists from 2011 to 2016.
Karen Baumgartner from Roseville, Minn., was a Minnesota Varsity 2011 & 2012 Featured Artist. She recently got in touch with Classical MPR's Christine Sweet to share her latest news.
Karen Baumgartner, Flute, 2011 & 2012 Featured Artist
Age: 23
Hometown: Roseville, Minn.
Attends: University of Texas at Austin
It has now been five years since I was a featured artist on Minnesota Varsity. Since then I have graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Flute Performance, started grad school at University of Texas at Austin, and have begun taking auditions for professional orchestras.
I am very grateful as I reflect back on my experience with Minnesota Varsity. Being professionally recorded and performing on the radio was incredible. Seeing the CD collection, recording studios, and meeting some of the people who make it all run were some of the other elements that made the process a pleasure to be a part of.
My next project that I am looking forward to is world premiering a Flute Concerto by fellow MN Varsity participant and IU colleague, Grant Luhmann. After a few years of planning, asking around, and sending many, many emails I am thrilled to be premiering this Flute Concerto with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra this coming February. Collaborating with Grant throughout the writing of this piece and working to bring this whole project together continues to be an very rewarding experience.
Thank you for giving me and others the opportunity to share our musical talents with the world. It was an great way to share with an audience I had no connection to previously. I have met people that I otherwise would not have known and I thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the competition. Good luck to all the competitors this year, I am excited to have you join the ever growing world of MN Varsity alumni!
For tickets and information on Baumgartner's premiere of the Luhmann concerto, visit the Bloomington Symphony website.
Love the music?
Show your support by making a gift to YourClassical.
Each day, we’re here for you with thoughtful streams that set the tone for your day – not to mention the stories and programs that inspire you to new discovery and help you explore the music you love.
YourClassical is available for free, because we are listener-supported public media. Take a moment to make your gift today.
