Artist Spotlight: Maura Cook

Molly Wilson

(Maura Cook)

As this is Trivia Weekend, it’s an easy weekend to forget about concerts and such, but if you can only take one break, make sure it’s for Maura Cook and Katie Schuld’s recital at 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 in Harper Hall.
Maura Cook, a senior bachelor of arts student in Music and Anthropology from Davenport, Iowa, has made it onto the stage at virtually every singing opportunity.
She’s had roles in Lawrence productions of “Suor Angelica,” “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” “L’Étoile,” “Cinderella” and Opera Scenes. She’s sung in Lawrence choirs since her freshman year, notably singing a large solo movement in “The Messiah” last year.
Cook is perhaps not what you would typically think of as a singer. She freely admits she doesn’t “listen to music”, and she lives in a quad with three other singers and requires them to watch a “killing movie,” such as “Gran Torino,” between listening to operas.
When asked about her favorite role at Lawrence, Cook answered “Cinderella” before I even finished the question. She loved being “able to be optimistic about life when there’s so many negatives around and to be able to spend rehearsal time in that mindset . and she’s a princess.”
Her recital this weekend is shared with another mezzo-soprano, Katie Schuld, and from personal experience, I can tell you: Both of these artists pour their hearts and souls into every piece and make real music happen every time.
Their program includes pieces by Bach, Britten, Barber, Brahms, Offenbach, Vaughn Williams and de Falla.
As Cook says, “When I was deciding what to sing, it was really important for me to sing with my friends.” Consequently, much of her program includes duets, quartets and more.
So make sure you take an hour out of answering questions and come hear a recital with some of the most heartfelt and stirring singing of the year.

(Maura Cook)