Young St. Paul pianist ready for next big move

Andrew Staupe
Pianist Andrew Staupe, a native of St. Paul, made his debut last week with the Minnesota Orchestra.
Photo courtesy of Minnesota Orchestra

Andrew Staupe is a 23-year-old pianist about to make a big move. Born and raised in St. Paul, he's won several local competitions, and has started his doctorate nearby at the University of Minnesota.

IN 2006, Staupe took first place in the Minnesota Orchestra's WAMSO Young Artists Competition. He performed with the orchestra during a Sommerfest concert that year, but last weekend was his subscription concert debut. He was the guest soloist for Rachmaninoff's First Piano Concerto.

This winter Staupe has been auditioning at other schools, hoping to continue his doctoral studies at places like Rice, Eastman, or Juilliard.

These are intensely competitive programs. So how does Andrew Staupe hope to win a spot? Minnesota Public Radio's Brian Newhouse spoke with the young pianist from the stage of Orchestra Hall for the answer.

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