There is classical musicianship, instrumental perfection, and a dynamic duet on offer at the Cultural Centre the morning of March 14.
That's when Oto Carrillo of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra brings his classic French horn sound to feature alongside the talented young Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen. With Carillo's reputation as a leading talent among the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Sarah’s rising fame as one of Canada’s most innovative emerging classical artists, you can guarantee that this final installment in the Rain Mountain Classical Music series will be an emphatic and charming climax to a succession of incredible morning concerts.
Born in Guatemala and raised in Chicago in a household filled with classical music, Carillo grew up admiring the wonderful horn section of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra: long renowned as one of the very best in the world. Going on to earn his Bachelor’s degree in Music Performance from Chicago’s DePaul University and his Master’s degree in Music Performance and Musicology from Northwestern, Carillo's skill and devotion to the French horn grew along with his talent, and he was appointed to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Horn Section in 2000. Carillo has since performed with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the Metrpolitana Orchestra of Lisbon, Portugal, and has had featured roles with the Chicago Sinfonietta, Music of the Baroque, the Chicago Philharmonic, and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Coming full circle in his mastery of the French horn, he is currently counted among the faculty at DePaul University as a leading instructor in the acclaimed Horn Studio from which he graduated.
Joining Carillo is young Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen, who has received critical acclaim for her imaginative vision and outstanding skill in assembling original performances that include photography, dance and theatre. Described as “a rarity of musical excellence, technical ease and tonal purity”, Hagen's belief that “music has the power to be a window into our souls regardless of age or knowledge”, has led her to collaborate with a broad range of classical vocalists and musicians, and her appearance alongside Carrillo will be the culmination of her four fantastic performances at The Cultural Centre this season.
Hagen and Carillo first collaborated together during the Symphony Orchestra Academy of the Pacific’s 2010 festival in Powell River, British Columbia, in which they performed a Mozart Quintet alongside other faculty members. For their appearance at the Cultural Centre, these two exceptional performers have prepared a programme of works by French, German, British, and American composers, including Beethoven’s Sonata for horn and piano, and their selection promises an enigmatic and exhilarating experience for our audience.
Oto Carillo and Sarah Hagen offer classical music on March 14, 2014. Coffee and treats will also be provided courtesy of Sardis Bakery, so there could be no better way to start a perfect day than with this beautiful morning concert. Call the Centre Box Office at 604-391-SHOW(7469) or visit www.chilliwackculturalcentre.ca to book tickets!
Sarah Hagen with Special Guest Oto Carrillo is generously sponsored by Sardis Bakery, The Chilliwack Times, Department of Canadian Heritage, City of Chilliwack, British Columbia Arts Council and The Province of British Columbia.