Minnesota Varsity: Where Are They Now? Simon Blaine-Sauer

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Where Are They Now? spotlights Minnesota Varsity Featured and Showcase Artists and Composers from 2011 to 2019.

Simon Blaine-Sauer, originally from Minneapolis, was a Minnesota Varsity 2012 Showcase Artist. He recently got in touch with Classical MPR to share his latest news.

Simon Blaine-Sauer, 2012 Showcase Artist, piano

Age: 23

Hometown: Minneapolis, Minn.

Attended: University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc.

My hometown is Minneapolis but I currently live in Madison, Wisc. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018 with a degree in molecular biology and history. I currently work in a research lab in the McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research at the University of Wisconsin studying human papillomavirus (HPV), and my goal is to pursue a career in medicine. Though I no longer study music in a formal capacity, it remains an important and enriching part of my life. I still try to practice when I have the time, and I play for family and friends whenever I get the chance.

Participating in Minnesota Varsity was an exceedingly rewarding experience. Having the chance to meet and hear outstanding young musicians from all across Minnesota was inspiring, and invigorated my passion for music performance. Performing at the Fitzgerald Theater for the Showcase Concert was one of the highlights of my musical life, as was having the chance to perform at the College of St. Benedict on the 2012 regional tour in front of my great-aunt Dolores and the many other Benedictine sisters for whom my brother and I regularly played many small recitals growing up. I remain tremendously grateful to Classical MPR for the opportunity to participate in Minnesota Varsity.