Rose Gellert Hall – Benjamin Butterfield & Sarah Hagen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, November 13, 2015

Tenor Coming to Langley’s Rose Gellert Hall

Immerse yourself in the resounding, soul-inspiring sounds of world-renowned tenor Benjamin Butterfield, accompanied by pianist Sarah Hagen, at Langley Community Music School’s (LCMS) Rose Gellert Hall concert this Saturday, November 28, 2015, at 7:30 pm.

Audiences will be treated to a wealth of dramatic vocal repertoire spanning from the quintessential 19th century Romantic compositions of Schumann’s Dichterliebe (A Poet’s Love) to the modern day theatrical Art Songs of famed Hollywood composer Randy Newman (creator of musical scores such as Academy Award winner “We Belong Together” from “Toy Story 3”).

Butterfield says, “Schumann’s fusion of romantic poetry and virtuoso piano playing forge a perfect emotional journey through love, speaking to generation after generation.” To balance Schumann’s heartache, the duo will follow with “Beethoven’s Adelaide, which leaves us with the joy of being in love. The Randy Newman songs are also starkly truthful, and like Dichterliebe, surprisingly profound,” adds Hagen.

With the promise of engaging stories, stunning music, and awe-inspiring performances, the Butterfield-Hagen duo is destined to take audiences on a magical musical ride through a full range of emotions. The Calgary Herald says, “The Schumann cycle was particularly successful … the musical result was quite magical.” The Edmonton Journal adds, “Canadian tenor Benjamin Butterfield is a good actor, and throws himself into the part with gusto.” The Vancouver Courier says, “Butterfield gave an excellent performance… His singing communicated the full range of emotions.” The San Francisco Chronicle also says, “Benjamin Butterfield was first-rate, a musically arresting presence…” The Vancouver Sun calls his performance “truly exceptional.” And the Globe and Mail touts Butterfield as “the star amongst the soloists.”

Tenor Benjamin Butterfield is known for his performances throughout North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. He performs regularly around the world with such companies as the New York City Opera, Welsh National Opera, the San Carlo in Naples, Le Capitole Toulouse, the Canadian Opera Company, and many others. Butterfield is also an Associate professor, head of voice and co-head of Performance for the School of Music at the University of Victoria, and serves as guest faculty at a number of other institutions. He is also a prolific recording artist, with CDs produced for CBC Records, Koch International, Timpani (France), and others. Learn more at: http://schwalbeandpartners.com/project/benjamin-butterfield/

Accompanying Butterfield on the piano is renowned concert pianist Sarah Hagen. Regarded as “outstandingly inventive” by the University of Waterloo Gazette and “refreshingly imaginative” by the Omniscient Mussel, “Hagen is one of the most expressive piano players,” says The Guardian (Charlottetown). “It was immediately apparent that this would be a piano concert beyond the norm … The level of passion that Hagen possesses — when it comes to experiencing, interpreting and expressing art — is something quite extraordinary.”

Hagen has been heard in concert halls and on the airwaves throughout North America and Europe. Artistic Director for Pro’ject Sound, Sarah’s performances are conceptually innovative, involving photography, dance and spoken word. She curates, hosts, and performs on numerous concert series in BC and Alberta, sharing the stage with artists from around the world, including Benjamin Butterfield, as well as appearing as a soloist. An award-winning musician, Hagen has performed at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, on CBC Radio, and has produced multiple albums. Learn more at: http://sarahhagen.com/

LCMS Artistic Director, Elizabeth Bergmann says, “The epic narrative song cycle takes audiences on an emotional and engaging journey. The pairing of Shumann with Newman balances the depth and breath of this theatrical musical style. We are really looking forward to welcoming the Butterfield-Hagen duo!”

The Langley Community Music School hosts multiple musical concerts from October to May, including the Concerts Café Classico Series, an afternoon concert series featuring stellar local and touring musicians playing classical, jazz or contemporary works, as well as the Rose Gellert Hall Series, an evening concert series featuring renowned Canadian and international musicians.

The 2015/16 Rose Gellert Hall Concert Series is sponsored by Hub Insurance. Tickets for the November concert are $25 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students, and $10 for LCMS students.

Call the box office at 604-534-2848. The Rose Gellert Hall is located at 4899 207 Street, Langley, BC.

ABOUT LANGLEY COMMUNITY MUSIC SCHOOL
Langley Community Music School (LCMS) is a non-profit organization and registered charity that is committed to providing the highest quality of musical education to students of all ages and levels, from early learning to pre-professional and adult programs. With the support of the community, LCMS has become one of the largest non-profit music schools in the province, earning both national and international acclaim for their comprehensive and innovative programs. Learn more about LCMS programs, scholarships and bursaries. Visit langleymusic.com or call 604-534-2848.

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