Sarah Hagen's "PERK UP, PIANIST!"

Often referred to as the next Victor Borge, Sarah has transformed her award-winning role as “concert pianist” into a stand-up, or rather, sit-down comedy. Pairing anecdotes with music, “Perk up, pianist!” 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. Described as “one of the best hours I’ve ever spent at the Fringe” [The Coast (Halifax)], “Perk up, pianist!” tells the tale of a touring classical musician remaining optimistic in the midst of challenging and ridiculous situations. Of the show’s debut at the Toronto Fringe Festival, Montreal Rampage wrote, “Hagen reminds us the beauty of how an honest solo performance can make you so easily fall in love with its performer.”

Directed by Rick Roberts

Created, written and performed by Sarah Hagen, with original compositions

— The Guardian (Charlottetown) March 2014“…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 is one of the most expressive piano players that I have ever seen perform…” — University of Waterloo Gazette

“Her Bach and Haydn were outstandingly inventive – this is a young woman ready to take interpretive risks.” — Marcia Adair, TheOmniscientMussel.com

“Exquisite phrasing and a refreshingly imaginative approach make her one to watch.”CLASSICAL PIANIST & HUMORIST Sarah Hagen

Awarded as Artist of the Year by both Ontario Contact (2017) and the BC Touring Council (2015), and mentioned by The Guardian (Charlottetown) as the Best Classical Performance of 2014, pianist Sarah Hagen’s interpretations have been described as "outstandingly inventive" [University of Waterloo Gazette], ”played flawlessly” [ReviewVancouver]. Her extensive touring has taken her across Canada, to Sweden, France, Germany and Italy, and twice to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. Sarah’s latest album, Women of Note, highlights two forgotten female composers of the 18th century, and was awarded the 2021 Music PEI Instrumental Recording of the Year.