Enjoy Beautiful Classical Music in a Relaxed and Informal Setting

Pianist Sarah Hagen Performs at Horizon Stage on January 30 at 10:30 a.m.

Do you take pleasure in classical music but find it hard to enjoy in a concert setting? An Up Close and Personal recital by pianist Sarah Hagen may be just what you are looking for. While being treated to a musical feast for the ears, Sarah’s audience members also gain insight into the pianist's perspective and are encouraged to join the discussion. Sarah promotes an informal ambiance at her concerts, providing opportunities for listeners to ask questions, voice opinions, or just sit back and enjoy the magnificent music while sipping a warm beverage. For something different on a winter morning, join Sarah Hagen at Horizon Stage on Thursday, January 30. Tea, coffee, and goodies will be served at 9:45 a.m. and the concert will start at 10:30.

Sarah will focus her Horizon Stage recital on the romantic music, and story of Robert and Clara Schumann. Theirs is a tale of incredible talent and star-crossed love, infinite joy and devastating sadness, wrapped in beautiful music. Robert Schumann (1810 –1856) is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic era. He left the study of law to pursue a career as a virtuoso pianist but focused his musical energies on composing after a hand injury.  Clara Schumann (1819 – 1896), also a talented composer, is considered to have been one of the most distinguished and influential pianists of the 19th century.  When her parents disapproved of their relationship, and forbade their marriage, they gained permission to marry through the German court system. They eventually had seven children together and a loving but rocky marriage. Robert’s growing mental instability led to a suicide attempt, incarceration, and death in an asylum. Over a 61-year concert career Clara is credited with changing the format and repertoire of the piano recital and the tastes of the listening public. A tireless crusader for her husband’s music she was a strong matriarch who supported her family both financially and emotionally, though many hardships.

Sarah’s own star is steadily rising on the Canadian music scene. With expressive technique, an engaging personality, and startling fresh concepts, she is equally at home in front of a symphony orchestra or in an intimate concert setting. Her solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards. As First Prize Winner in the 2013 Bradshaw & Buono International Piano Competition, Sarah performed solo at New York City’s Carnegie Hall in May 2013. Since moving to an artist loft in one of Vancouver’s most vibrant neighbourhoods in 2011 she has become deeply involved with intricate projects inspired by urban vitality and is motivated by the belief that music has the power to be a window into our souls, regardless of age or knowledge.


Enjoy tea, goodies, and a beautiful morning performance by Sarah Hagen, at Horizon Stage on Thursday, January 30. For an even more Up Close and Personal concert experience, seating will be general admission and a limited number of seats will be available at tables on the stage, right next to Sarah and the grand piano. Tickets are just $25 and may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave) or by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090. Tickets can also be purchased online through Ticketpro. 

CONCERT RESCHEDULED: Hotel California

Weather. Is there anything more Canadian than talking about the weather? We don’t think so.
Unfortunately, due to the weather in Toronto and all the flight cancellations, Hotel California's concert on Thursday, January 9 has been canceled. The band has expressed their deep regret, but they have been up all night trying to find a way to get here, with no luck.

Fortunately, we have been able to reschedule their performance. The new date is Sunday, February 23 at 1 p.m.

If you have tickets, they will be honoured on the new date. If you are unable to attend the new show, please contact the City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995 for options. Refunds will be offered until Friday, January 17. Exchanges or gift certificates will be offered after that date.

Thank you for your understanding. And suddenly, our weather doesn’t look so bad, does it? It’s all about perspective.

Enjoy Fun, Family Friendly, Comedy with a Powerful Beat

BAM! Percussion Performs at Horizon Stage on January 25 at 4 p.m.

Th d ynamic, comedic percussion trio BAM! Percussion formed in Quebec in 1999 and they have since performed at hundreds of festivals, including Montreal’s Just for Laughs, and theaters, across Canada and around the world. Their high energy blend of physical comedy and intense rhythm is equally enjoyed by audience members of all ages and nationalities. BAM! use their child-like clown personas, gibberish, drumming, and audience interaction to create a performance experience like no other. Described as a cross between taiko drummers and a three-ring circus, current troupe members Jean-Sébastien Dallaire, Denis Richard Jr., and Krystina Marcoux are looking forward to their performance in Spruce Grove on Saturday, January 25.

Calling themselves ‘drumstick meets slapstick’, BAM! Percussion is about seizing your inner child and refusing to let go, no matter how much he kicks or screams. Tickets to their 4 p.m. Family Matinee performance (note special start time) at Horizon Stage are $20 for adults and $16 for children and seniors. Free pre-show crafts and activities for the kids will run in the theatre lobby starting at 3 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the City Hall Ticket Centre (315 Jespersen Ave), by phone at 780-962-8995 or 1-888-655-9090, and online through Ticketpro.ca.  Whether you’re bringing actual children to see BAM! Percussion, or just wanting to entertain your own inner child for an hour, you won’t be disappointed!

Purchase: BAM! Percussion Ticket Online

Watch: Exerpts from BAM! Percission's Show

CONCERT CANCELLATION - Joe Sealy on February 8th

Due to unforseen circumstances Joe Sealy's entire Africville Stories tour has been cancelled, regretfully, by the promoter and the artist.  The reasons are not health related.
If you have purchased tickets to Mr Sealy's concert at Horizon Stage on Satuday, February 8, please contact the City Hall Ticket Centre at 780-962-8995 regarding ticket refunds and exchnages.