Coming off two summers of combining humour with classical music across Canada, Sarah Hagen will perform in the Comox Valley for only the second time in almost two years.
Presenting a show called Perk Up, Pianist, Hagen evolved the act at fringe festivals.
“It’s such a great place to work out material, to figure out what makes people laugh and what doesn’t,” Hagen says in an interview from Charlottetown, PEI. “If I think about the first edition of it, the audition in Toronto … and what it looks like now, it’s hardly the same thing almost.”
Changing her act so drastically was a challenge, admits the Comox Valley native.
“It’s scary,” she admits with her trademark sincere, unrestrained laughter, “when an audience doesn’t laugh after you’ve just told your best joke.”
Hagen is learning to trust her writing and her instincts.
“The best part about that is that is that now it’s going to venues like the Fanny Bay Community Hall in May,” the irrepressible Hagen chuckled.
And, of course, Studio Live in Cumberland for a total of three performances Oct. 24 and 25.
Hagen admits she’s been missing Mattina Musica, her series of intimate classical recitals that began in her living room and eventually moved to the Sid Williams Theatre as their popularity grew.
“Studio Live seemed like a space where I could create something in the middle. It’s bigger than my living room, yet it’s still so small. It seats only 70 people.
“I think it’s cozy. The piano is beautiful.”
Encouraging people to bring their own mugs, Hagen expects the crowd to partake of tea and cookies in true Mattina Musica style.
The daughter of the late Stan Hagen, a Comox Valley MLA, and newspaper columnist Judy Hagen, Sarah says she’s looking forward to coming home.
“I’ve been really missing people. I’ve been missing the ambiance of Mattina Musica and house concerts, and so I just decided I’m going to do it.”
Due to Hagen’s local popularity and the size of the venue, she’s doing morning, afternoon and evening performances.
Playing in such a small venue creates a different vibe than in a concert hall.
“I think it makes it feel a little more casual, and that changes the playing. The playing becomes more intimate; the introductions for the pieces are more like chatter than formal introductions.
“There’s something about being closer to the instruments, hearing it better,” she adds.
Beyond Studio Live, Hagen resumes touring her comedy show in the new year.
I’ve taken some time away from playing. I felt like I needed to take some time away and rest. I feel like I’m ready to go back on the road in the same intense way.”
The BC Touring Council’s 2015 Touring Artist of the Year earned that honour for playing well, and for doing it in a demanding tour schedule.
As Studio Live audiences will learn, Hagen has a fresh perspective and is ready to go.
“I’ve stepped away from the piano, stepped away from performing … It’s like coming to a whole new instrument for me. It’s exciting. It’s like a Renaissance.”
Growing up in the Comox Valley, she will see many longtime friends at Studio Live. If you’re not acquainted with this talented, likable musician/comedian, she has performed in concert halls and has been heard on broadcasts throughout North America and Europe.
A recording artist and eager collaborator, Hagen initially built her reputation as a first-prize winner in the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, which led to a solo recital at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in May 2013.
Her debut solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards.
* * *
Sarah Hagen performs at Studio Live in Cumberland on Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25 at 10:30 a.m. and Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.
Advance tickets cost $22 and can be purchased at www.sarahhagen.com/tickets. Advance purchase is strongly recommended. Contact Hagen by email (info@sarahhagen.com) or telephone (416-454-2363) if you would prefer to reserve your tickets through her and pay by cash or cheque. Tickets at the door will cost $25.