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Award-winning classical guitarist to play recital

By David Gonnerman '90
February 24, 2006

Award-winning classical guitarist Espen Jensen will perform in Urness Recital Hall at St. Olaf College Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3:15 p.m. Jensen will perform a variety of pieces, including works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Latin American artists Astor Piazzolla and Augustin Barrios, Spanish composer Manuel de Falla and contemporary composers for classical guitar such as St. Olaf faculty member Justin Merritt. Jensen also will perform his own piece, "Hommage a Grieg."

"Jensen plays new music and the music of Latin America with equal skill," says Merritt. "And since he's Norwegian he was particularly keen to visit St. Olaf and share this music."

The Norwegian guitarist won first prize at the 2001 Competition in Performance of Music of Latin America and Spain and the Indianapolis Matinee Musicale. He graduated from Ager College-Conservatory in Norway in 1998 and came to the University of Indiana, where he graduated with a master's degree from the prestigious School of Music in 2000 and a performer diploma in 2003. Jensen currently is in residence at the School of Music as a visiting lecturer and a doctoral student.

PERFORMANCES, ALBUMS
A frequent solo performer, Jensen has had several performances sponsored by the Embassy of Spain. Jensen also has performed in many chamber ensembles with renowned musicians such as flutist Thomas Robertello, violinist Regina Florey and violist Donna Clark.

Jensen has released two critically acclaimed albums: Nocturnal Variations and Elogio de la Danza y la Cancion. Elogio features music from Latin America, the Caribbean and Spain. His new album of contemporary Norwegian music is expected to be released later this year.

Jensen teaches master classes and leads workshops across the country. He also is a major promoter of contemporary classical guitar composers, having spent three years as the artistic director of the Hammer & Nail Project, an initiative to expand the repertoire for the instrument.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.