Current Touring Programmes

Bookings and inquiries:

Genevieve DeMerchant, Agent | 416.801.6771 | genny@aimbookingagency.com | Aim Booking Agency

Goldberg Variations

Sarah performs Goldberg Variations in celebration of her own recording of Bach’s formidable work. Cherished by many, the Goldberg Variations are emblematic of keyboard virtuosity, rich expression, and hardcore classical interpretation. Sarah will offer a short introduction to this marvellous and intense composition before playing the full work.

"Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen’s Goldberg Variations are dramatically different. Naysayers and refusniks beware: her approach combines unfettered joy, wide awake with wonder, requisite pedagogy and the ability to make the instrument bend to her will. The epic scope of the work is stated right out of the gate, with an extensive exploration of the Aria that opens the way to the variable tempi, harmonic adventure with unlimited changes in registration and emotion. Hagen’s performance combines vivid precision of touch with perfect articulation of line, making her Goldberg Variations something to absolutely die for." - Whole Note Magazine

“I was reminded of the breadth of his [Gould’s] opening Aria in Hagen’s first track [of Goldberg Variations]. She is able to sustain that sense of breadth throughout her version. The playing is consistent, with feeling and a sense of purpose throughout, including a touching Track 26. … this is a heartfelt performance worth adding to the collection.” - La Scena Musicale

Wonder Women!

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

In “Wonder Women!”, pianist and humorist Sarah Hagen delves 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, Agathe Backer Grøndahl, 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.

Pictures at an Exhibition

Sarah performs Mussorgsky’s magnificent “Pictures at an Exhibition.” The famous suite is a musical depiction of walking through a gallery of drawings and watercolours by architect and painter Viktor Hartmann. The programme also includes Mozart’s beloved Sonata in A major K. 331, most famous for its Turkish March finale.

Fingers That Fly!

This is a cheerful programme of piano works inspired by birds and birdsong. A programme of joyous music by Schumann, Messiaen, and Liszt peppered with insightful commentary and a dash of humour!

Beethoven’s Iconic Moonlight Sonata

A programme highlighting Beethoven's iconic Moonlight Sonata alongside Bach’s cheerful French Suite in E major and shimmering music of Rachmaninoff.  

“Perk up, Pianist!” (Theatrical production)

Sarah has transformed her award-winning role as “concert pianist” into a stand-up, or rather, sit-down comedy. Pairing anecdotes from the road with some of her favourite pieces by Chopin, Debussy, and Liszt, Sarah takes audiences deep inside the world of a classical musician as she shares her earnest efforts to keep her spirits up in the midst of troublesome times. Part storytelling and part recital, “Perk up pianist!” has been described as “one of the best hours I’ve ever spent at the Fringe” [The Coast, Halifax].

Directed by Rick Roberts
Created, written and performed by Sarah Hagen