The Classical Series - Sarah Hagen: Wonder Women with afternoon tea

Enjoy an afternoon of tea, a sweet treat and music as Trail & District Arts Council presents Sarah Hagen: Wonder Women in The Griff at The Bailey Theatre on Sunday, October 6 at 3:00 pm as part of our Classical series.

A celebration of the music and stories of female composers “Wonder Women!” sees pianist Sarah Hagen delve into the remarkable stories and piano music of forgotten female composers from the classical repertoire.

This recital will highlight piano works by 18th and 19th century composers, including Clara Schumann, Cécile Chaminade, and others. Included will be stunningly gorgeous music by Marianna Martines, who lived in the same circles as Haydn and Mozart, and often joined Mozart in piano duets at the musical soirées she and her sister held in their Viennese home.

“Hagen is one of the most expressive piano players that I have ever seen perform…” — The Guardian (Charlottetown)

Sarah Hagen says, “I began performing this programme after purchasing a disappointingly thin volume of music by female composers about 20 years ago. After reading through the music, I remember shutting the book and thinking to myself, there must be more music than this, … So I set off on a musical treasure hunt, searching online, through old collections of music, and in libraries…I am also continually fascinated by the stories of the strong women behind the music. These are the women who fought for equal pay as their male colleagues, who insisted that they could also have a life and a career outside of the kitchen, who chose to shockingly forgo marriage to be able to fully focus on their art. These are the trailblazers…”

2 x 45-minute sets.

Sarah Hagen was awarded Artist of the Year by both Ontario Contact (2017) and the BC Touring Council (2015) and mentioned by The Guardian (Charlottetown) as the Best Classical Performance of 2014, pianist.

Sarah’s extensive touring has taken her across Canada, to Sweden, France, Germany and Italy, and twice to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Sarah released an album of Goldberg Variations in 2021. and her third album, Women of Note, highlights two forgotten female composers of the 18th century, and garnered the 2021 Music PEI Instrumental Recording of the Year as well as two ECMA nominations.

But Sarah’s talents don’t stop there as in addition to writing wine reviews for her blog, “ARTIST WINES! – Uncorking musician-priced cellar secrets,” Sarah tours a one-woman musical comedy show called “Perk up, pianist!” of which the Edmonton Journal wrote, “Her comic timing is as solid as her musical meter.”

Commenting on the change to daytime shows for the classical series, Artistic Director Nadine Tremblay explains, “Most of our shows are in the evening, but some of our patrons want the opportunity to indulge for an afternoon, enjoying classical tunes over afternoon tea.”

So, treat your musical appetite in the intimate salon setting of The Griff as you indulge in a delightful afternoon of classical music while you enjoy traditional style tea. Sip from beautiful china cups and savour a sweet treat.

As Clara Schumann, remembered as one of the finest pianists of all time, said “Why hurry over beautiful things? Why not linger and enjoy them?”

Don't miss out on a perfect afternoon filled with musical masterpieces and delicious treats.

Learn more about Sarah Hagen at

her website

Watch a little of the show

here

Single tickets are $32.

Buy a 2-show series pass for $52.

Under 30 years old $12.

Or, purchase as part of the Pick Your Own season for $25 and get 20% OFF all Trail Arts Council presentations.

All tickets available online at tickets.trail-arts.com, by phone at 250-368-9669, and in person at the Bailey Box Office at 1501 Cedar Ave., Trail.

This performance is made possible thanks to funding from the BC Arts Council, BC Touring Council, the Government of Canada, and Tourism South Kootenay. We also gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia.

The Classical Series also includes:

Amuse Bouche Trio with chocolate tasting, Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 3:00 pm

As part of International Women's Day weekend, enjoy an afternoon out with your friends, a sweet treat from Mountain Nugget Chocolate Co., and music as Trio Amuse Bouche celebrate some of the finest repertoire for this unique arrangement of clarinet, voice and piano.

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