Jensen, Cooper to Perform Piano Concert at Clarke

The Clarke University Music Department will kick off the new year with a performance by Dr. Sharon Jensen and Elisa Cooper on Sunday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall on the Clarke campus. The concert is free to the public. Jensen, assistant professor of music at Clarke, will perform works for two pianos with Cooper, music faculty at Emmaus Bible College, featuring selections by Mozart, Chopin, Brahms and Bolcom. “Both Dr. Jensen and Dr. Cooper are excellent musicians,” said LaDonna Manternach, chair and associate professor of music at Clarke. “With two fine artists at the piano, this will be a great concert for all who appreciate the power and intimacy of the piano. We are delighted to offer this event free to the public.” Jensen has performed recitals and with orchestras throughout the Midwest, including the Quad Cities Mozart Festival orchestra. In 2007 she made her solo debut with the Dubuque Symphony. In March 2010, Jensen made her debut at Carnegie’s Weill Recital Hall and has performed there for four consecutive years with flautist Peg Cornils Luke. She has also been heard on NPR’s Live from Landmark Center, Live from the Chazen and Chicago’s Dame Myra Hess Series. Cooper has performed twice at Carnegie Hall (Weill Recital Hall) and has appeared as a soloist with the Wheaton College Symphony Orchestra. She recently served as pianist and assistant conductor for the Canadian Children’s Opera Company during its 2011 European Tour to Austria and Italy. For more information, contact the Clarke University Marketing and Communication Office at (563)588-6318. Clarke University is a Catholic, liberal arts and sciences university dedicated to preparing students who positively impact their workplace, family and community. Academic offerings include more than 40 undergraduate liberal arts and pre-professional programs, a robust adult degree program and six graduate degree programs.  Founded in 1843 by the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Clarke is located near the Mississippi River in the thriving city of Dubuque, Iowa. It is the only BVM university in the country.