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ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University School of Fine Arts student Elsa Swanson of Chaska, Minn. recently received second place honors at the 2018 Minnesota Edvard Grieg Society Vocal Competition.

The competition took place on June 9 in Minneapolis, Minn.

Swanson was also recently chosen to sing on a masterclass with Deborah Birnbaum at the NATS National Conference in Las Vegas.

“When Dr. Bultema and I submitted my audition to sing in the masterclass, we weren't expecting much. I didn't hear anything for over a month, but a week before the conference, I received a phone call saying that I was selected for the masterclass,” said Swanson. “The whole journey was incredible and I definitely would not have had this opportunity were it not for all the opportunities I have had at Northern!”

A senior music education major, Swanson has also made campus headlines in the past year as the winner of the 2017 NSU Aberdeen University/Civic Symphony Concerto-Aria competition and as a district winner of the 54th annual North Dakota-Manitoba District Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, this past October.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.