On Nov. 28, the resounding, soul-inspiring sounds of world-renowned tenor Benjamin Butterfield, accompanied by pianist Sarah Hagen, will play at the Rose Gellert Hall at the Langley Community Music School (LCMS).
Audiences will be treated to a dramatic vocal repertoire, spanning from 19th century romantic compositions of Schumann’s Dichterliebe (A Poet’s Love) to modern day theatrical art songs of Hollywood composer Randy Newman, creator of We Belong Together from Toy Story 3.
"Schumann’s fusion of romantic poetry and virtuoso piano playing forge a perfect emotional journey through love, speaking to generation after generation,” Butterfield said.
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,” Hagen added.
Butterfield performs regularly around the world with the New York City Opera, Welsh National Opera, the San Carlo in Naples, Le Capitole Toulouse, the Canadian Opera Company and many others.
He 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.
Butterfield has CDs produced for CBC Records, Koch International, Timpani (France) and others.
Renowned concert pianist, Hagen, has been heard in concert halls and on the airwaves throughout North America and Europe. Her performances are conceptually innovative, involving photography, dance and spoken word.
Hagen curates, hosts, and performs on numerous concert series in B.C. and Alberta, sharing the stage with artists from around the world.
An award-winning musician, she has performed at New York City’s Carnegie Hall, on CBC Radio and has produced multiple albums.
“The epic narrative song cycle takes audiences on an emotional and engaging journey," said LCMS artistic director, Elizabeth Bergmann.
"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.”
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 St.
Submitted photo. Sarah Hagen is accompanying Benjamin Butterfield on piano.