Arts at Clarke
SPRING 2024 EVENTS
The Arts at Clarke series seeks to inform, entertain, and inspire through art in all its forms. From live performances to gallery exhibits, Arts at Clarke provides a place to gather and enjoy the talents of local and national artists, musicians, performers and more. Performances are open to members of the Clarke community and the general public.
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Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series
Clarke Lives: The Story of the 1984 Fire
presented by Norm Freund, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
Free Admission
This presentation is an immersion into the before, the during, and the after of the Clarke University fire of 1984. The story will be told from three vantage points: heritage buildings, conflagration, and resurrection.
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A Night in Brazil
Tuesday, February 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
Join us for a Night in Brazil on February 13! Clarke Ensembles & Forró fo Sho bring vibrant Brazilian rhythms to Jansen Music Hall. Sample Brazilian cuisine at 6:30 p.m. in Wahlert Atrium. Free for Clarke Community. Get your tickets now: clarke.edu/nightinbrazil
Menu includes:
Salada De Grão-de-bico (Chickpea Salad)
Coxinha (Potato Croquettes with Pulled Chicken)
Acarajé (Blacked-Eyed Pea Fritters) with Chimichuri
Feijoada (Pork and Black Bean Stew) with White Rice
Mousse De Maracujá (Passion Fruit Mousse)
Nega Maluca (Chocolate Cake) with Brigadeiro (Chocolate Sauce)
Nata (Cream Cookies) with Doce De Leite
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Julien Winds Chamber Concert
Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
The Julien Winds and Clarke Wind Ensemble perform chamber music and flexible works for wind ensemble.
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“Love Lieder” with Kay Botye-Moore
Saturday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
Join us for a sophisticated celebration of German Lieder with compositions of Richard Strauss, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Richard Wagner. We are featuring the guest artist Kay Botye-Moore, soprano, and Clarke’s Music Professor Dr. Keisy Peyerl Xavier, piano.
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Fabulous Friday
Friday, February 23 at Noon
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Clarke Collegiate Singers present their mid-semester concert at St. Luke’s Church for a 30-minute Fabulous Friday concert.
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Clarke Strings & Ukes
Tuesday, February 27 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
The Clarke String Orchestra headlines this concert with Clarke Ukulele Ensemble as a special guest in this “strings only” performance.
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Religion and Science Lecture
Darwin’s Disbelief: Evolution, Animal Suffering, and the Crisis of Faith
presented by Chelsea Jordan King
Wednesday, February 28
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
Chelsea Jordan King is an Assistant Professor in Catholic Studies at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. She received her doctorate in Systematic Theology from the University of Notre Dame, and her Master’s in Theological studies from Boston College. Her interests include the relationship between theology and science, especially how evolutionary theory impacts certain Christian doctrines. She is also interested in the field of soteriology, or “salvation,” with a specific interest in how to understand the Cross as atoning sacrifice while taking feminist and ecological concerns into consideration. Her first book titled, “May our Sacrifice be Acceptable to You: Rene Girard and Feminist Theology” is due to come out Spring 2024.
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Clarke Music Day Concert
Friday, March 1 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
This annual event features Clarke Collegiate Singers, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble combining with students from the surrounding high schools in a day filled with music making. Students attend rehearsals and masterclasses during the day with free concert to close the day.
For high school students:
Join Clarke University’s Collegiate Singers, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensembles for a day of music making, education, and community. Clarke music faculty will lead rehearsals and workshops, with Drs. Amanda Huntleigh and Rob Stull conducting a free final performance at 7 p.m. Clarke Music Day is FREE for all student musicians with lunch and dinner provided.
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Clarke Music Faculty Recital
Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
Music faculty of Clarke University (and Loras College) combine for our annual faculty recital.
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Collegiate Jazz Night
Wednesday, March 20 at 7 p.m.
The Smokestack
The Clarke Jazz Ensemble and Melos contemporary vocal ensemble perform some jazz, rock, and pop works in this semi-annual event. Collegiate Jazz Night includes ensembles from Clarke University, Loras College, and the University of Dubuque for an evening of good music, food, and spirits.
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The Taming of the Shrew
Friday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
In partnership with Fly-by-Night Productions and the Dubuque Shakespeare Project, Clarke University will hold performances of William Shakespeare’s classic “battle of the sexes”. In the adaptation directed by Sunil Malapati, Clarke Professor of Chemistry, The Taming of the Shrew is explored in a modern context as a play within a play. Set in 2016, the audience finds an all-female cast rehearsing the original work yet leaving room for individuals to step outside their characters and explore the ideas in light of everything from the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series to the dawn of the Trump administration.
While all performances are free and open to the public, donations to the Theresa Shelter will gladly be accepted.
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Musical Menus: Sound & Screen
Friday, April 12 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, April 13 at 6 p.m.
Experience the ultimate fusion of musical theater and cinematic magic with our spectacular cabaret-style show! From the moment you arrive, immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour of Hollywood with our red-carpet reception. Then, indulge in a delectable dinner crafted by Clarke University Dining Services, tantalizing your taste buds with a culinary journey fit for the stars! Throughout the evening, our talented cast of students, faculty, and alumni will transport you with their electrifying performances from beloved films and musical theater favorites. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of Broadway or a cinephile at heart, our cabaret-style show promises an evening of entertainment unlike any other.
Get your tickets now: clarke.edu/musicalmenus
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Studio & New Music Recital
Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
This honors recital features students from the studios at Clarke University who have excelled at performances during our masterclasses. This evening will also feature premieres of new works by our composers.
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ClarkeFest!
Saturday, April 20 at 4 p.m.
This street festival is open to everyone and will take place from 4-7 p.m. on the Clarke University Atrium lawn. Guests can enjoy family-friendly games, crafts and entertainment, including free performances from local musicians. Some of Clarke’s fantastic student work will also be on display, from musical performances and artwork for sale, to the premiere of Clarke Cast & Crew’s Eggscruciating Dinner: A Hare-Raising Murder Mystery. Click to view the full schedule
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Julien Winds and Clarke Wind Ensemble
Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
This concert includes wind works that are based on visual art. The performance opens with the wind-band standard Scenes from the Louvre by Norman Dello Joio. It will also feature Jeff Tyzik’s Images, as well as Steven Danyew’s This World Alive with video. In addition, we will be premiering a composition by Dr. Amy Dunker in memory of Wendy Hinman.
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Clarke String Orchestra
Tuesday, April 23 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University
The Clarke String Orchestra ends its season with a spring concert of standard and contemporary music for strings.
Doors
Doors generally open 30 minutes prior to performances, unless noted otherwise. Admission to all drama department events begins 45 minutes prior to curtain. Seats for all events are general admission. Times and dates are subject to change.