The North Okanagan Community Concert Association (NOCCA) is thrilled to welcome one of Canada’s most dynamic and celebrated pianists, Sarah Hagen, for an extraordinary performance on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. at the Vernon & District Performing Arts Centre.
Hailed for her “outstandingly inventive” interpretations (University of Waterloo Gazette) and “flawless” technique (Review Vancouver), Hagen’s reputation as a visionary pianist precedes her. Her extensive touring has taken her across Canada and Europe, including celebrated performances in Sweden, Denmark, France, Germany, and Italy, and two appearances at New York City’s renowned Carnegie Hall.
Hagen’s accolades speak volumes, including Artist of the Year awards from both Ontario Contact in 2017 and the BC Touring Council in 2015, as well as praise from The Guardian (Charlottetown), which described her as “one of the most expressive piano players I have ever seen perform.” Beyond the acclaim lies an artist who plays with heartfelt passion, inventive flair, and a delightful touch of mischief - when asked how she would describe herself in 10 words or less, Hagen answered, “Well... to be honest, I take my whiskey neat.”
Her most recent album, J.S. Bach: Goldberg Variations, has been praised by Whole Note Magazine as “something to absolutely die for,” and earned two 2022 Music PEI Awards for Instrumental Recording of the Year and Album Art of the Year. Whether interpreting the classics, spotlighting female composers of the 19th century, or collaborating with artists across genres, Hagen brings both reverence and reinvention to the concert stage.
Hagen’s musical imagination reaches beyond the piano bench. She is the Artistic Director of Pro’ject Sound, a performance project fusing live piano with large-scale projected images, and she has collaborated on unique interdisciplinary works like Exultation, which paired Rachmaninoff’s complete Opus 32 Preludes with the poetry and storytelling of Canadian Slam Poetry Champion Brendan McLeod. From her blog about musician-priced wines to her touring one-woman musical comedy show Perk up, pianist!, Hagen embraces the quirky, the heartfelt, and the daring in equal measure.
Above all, Hagen is a performer who breathes life into every note she plays. Audiences and reviewers alike have praised her playing as "expressive," “exquisite,” and “beyond the norm.” Her concerts are known not just for musical brilliance, but also for creating meaningful moments - emotional, humorous, and deeply human.
This concert is a rare opportunity for Vernon audiences to experience one of Canada’s finest pianists in a live setting. Whether you're a seasoned classical aficionado or someone simply curious to witness a master at work, Hagen’s concert promises an afternoon of inspiration, beauty, and unforgettable artistry.
Tickets are available through Ticket Seller at 250-549-7469 or online at www.ticketseller.ca.
