Mattina Musica returns to the Sid Williams Theatre on March 11 with celebrated tenor Ken Lavigne.
Co-presented by the Sid Williams Theatre Society and pianist Sarah Hagen, Mattina Musica is series of classical music concerts taking place on select Monday mornings. Each event begins with a pre-concert reception in the Sid lobby.
Lavigne and Hagen are presenting a program of Tosti arias, Schubert Lieder, Gershwin songs and are delighted to be joined for one piece by a surprise guest artist.
Described by one New York critic as having "a voice of liquid gold," Lavigne is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer.
He made his New York debut on the famed Carnegie Hall stage, accompanied by the New York Pops Orchestra under the baton of Simon Capet. This achievement was a dream come true for the singer, and after having received three standing ovations for his performance in New York, the debut has led to further engagements across North America, including exclusive engagements with famed L.A. producer David Foster.
Following his 1998 debut in Massenet’s Werther, major roles have followed in Nabuko, La Traviata, Cenerentolla and the Barber of Seville with Pacific Opera Victoria, the Portland Opera and the Burnaby Lyric Opera.
Despite Lavigne’s recent branching out to cross-over solo concerts, he is still in great demand as an opera performer, not only in traditional roles such as Spoletta in the Pacific Opera Victoria’s 2005 production of Tosca, but also in new and sometimes controversial productions such as Victoria Philharmonic Choir’s 2007 interpretation of Handel’s Samson, presented in a post-war Palestinian setting.
From the Comox Valley, Hagen has been heard in concert halls and on the airwaves to critical acclaim throughout North America and Europe.
As well as hosting four recital series in BC, Hagen enjoys a busy and varied concert schedule as both a soloist and collaborator. Highlights of her 2012/2013 season include a performance at Carnegie Hall in New York City, a solo recital at Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver, and a Home Routes concert tour in Manitoba and Saskatchewan with cellist Rebecca Wenham.
• • •
The final Mattina Musica concert this season will be on April 22 with Lithuanian violist Vaida Rozinskaite.
Coffee and tea is served at 9:45 a.m. and music begins at 10:30. For more information on the Mattina Musica series and other upcoming performances, visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com or call 250-338-2430.
— Mattina Musica