Often referred to as the next Victor Borge, Sarah Hagen has transformed her award-winning
role as “concert pianist” into a stand-up, or rather, sit-down comedy. Pairing anecdotes from the
road with some of her favourite pieces by Chopin, Debussy, and Liszt, Sarah 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. Part storytelling and part recital, “Perk up pianist!”
has been described as “one of the best hours I’ve ever spent at the Fringe” [The Coast
(Halifax)].

“Her comic timing is as solid as her musical meter.” - The Edmonton Journal

Sarah Hagen

Awarded as Artist of the Year by Ontario Contact (2017) and the British Columbia Touring
Council (2015), and mentioned by The Guardian (Charlottetown) as the Best Classical
Performance of 2014, Sarah Hagen’s extensive touring has taken her across Canada, to
Sweden, France, Germany, and Italy, and twice to New York City’s Carnegie Hall. In addition
to writing wine reviews for her blog, “ARTIST WINES! - Uncorking musician-priced cellar
secrets,” Sarah also tours a one-woman musical comedy show called “Perk up, pianist!” (which
you’re seeing tonight!) She recently released her third solo album “Women of Note”, which
features music by two forgotten female composers of the 18th century.