Acclaimed Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen invites you to join her for an unforgettable afternoon featuring one of the most iconic works in the classical repertoire, J.S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, performed in full.
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 piece before playing the full work.
Recognized for her inventive and deeply expressive performances, Hagen has toured extensively across Canada and Europe, with appearances at Carnegie Hall and some of the world’s most prestigious stages. Her artistry blends technical precision with emotional depth, and her concerts are known for their elegance, and creative vision.
“… 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…… 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
Join us for a wonderful afternoon with acclaimed Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen performing Bach’s glorious Goldberg Variations.
In partnership with the Chester Art Centre, and with the support of the Village of Chester and the Municipality of Chester – District 3, Sarah’s concert will be presented in tandem with a special art exhibition of ONENESS, a translation of the 32 movements of Bach’s Goldberg Variations into 32 works of original art, created by Sarah Hagen.
ONENESS is a visual and aural exploration of connectivity through isolation, brought to life through Bach’s Goldberg Variations.
“While my primary artistic channel involves interpreting works for classical piano, I also have an interest in the process and execution of translating into visual art my innermost thoughts, feelings, and imaginings that happen while playing the piano.
The Goldberg Variations begins with a simple Aria that Bach explores and transforms through 30 variations before returning to the original theme, unchanged on the page from
the first pages of the work, yet changed through the experience of the previous variations.
The thought that one solitary theme can carry so much potential has especially resonated with me. Subsequently, the art form of collage emerged as my form of expression in ONENESS. I chose this medium to mirror the contrapuntal lines of Bach’s writing: separate items which are gathered together to create a new whole. I endeavoured to keep the textures, colours, and motion of the music incorporated, as if I were playing the art onto the canvas with my fingers.” – Sarah Hagen
This special exhibition is presented at the Chester Art Centre (60 Queen Street, Chester) November 12-16, with free admission. An opening reception for this exhibition, and introduction by the artist, will take place on November 14th 2025 from 5-7pm.
Sarah Hagen – excerpts of the Goldberg Variations.