I'm excited to be hosting and performing in this new morning concert series at Cowichan Theatre!
Morning Musicale is a new series of intimate classical music concerts taking place on select Monday mornings. Each event begins with coffee, tea, and treats and a chance to chat with the musicians. The series is hosted by Vancouver pianist Sarah Hagen, who has invited world-class musicians to bring their artistry to the Cowichan Valley. The artists, all known for their perceptive, eloquent and entertaining commentary, will take time to offer personal insights into the music. Onstage seating allows the audience an up close, personal musical experience.
October 21: Sarah Hagen, solo piano
November 25: Sarah Hagen with Rebecca Wenham, cello
January 13: Sarah Hagen with Marcus Takizawa, viola
March 24: Sarah Hagen with Jennie Press, violin
Cellist Rebecca Wenham has been described as a musical force of nature. She has performed across Canada, the United States, Mexico, Europe, Japan and Australia. She was, as member of the Cecilia String Quartet from 2004 to 2010, silver medalist at the Osaka International Chamber Music Competition, winner of first prize and the Melpomene prize at the Rutenberg Chamber Music Competition, winner of the commissioned prize at the Bordeaux International Quartet Competition, and winner of first prize and the Canadian commissioned prize at the 10th Banff International String Quartet Competition.
Rebecca has performed with pianists Robert Silverman, Anton Kuerti, James Tocco and Menahem Pressler, and jazz musicians John Stetch, Hugh Fraser and Dave Douglas. She has collaborated with many composers including Common Sense Composers Collective, Ana Sokolovic, Gilbert Amy, Kelly-Marie Murphy and William Bolcom. Her interest in different styles of music has prompted her to perform music from classical to jazz to Persian, as well as the music of Elvis Costello. She was a CBC Galaxie Rising Star in 2007.
Rebecca has received funding from the Canada Council for the Arts and from the the Odyssee/ACCR Quartet Residency Program grant, ProQuartet. She holds degrees from the HARID Conservatory of Music, the Shepherd School at Rice University, San Diego State University and McGill University, and is currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of British Columbia. She is currently a member of Trio Accord and Microcosmos Quartet. Her mentors have included Johanne Perron, Norman Fischer, Andre Roy, the St. Lawrence String Quartet and Henk Guittart.