Quesnel Live Arts Upcoming Performances

MAYA RAE

POSTPONED Saturday, October 3 • 7:30 p.m.

One of Canada’s Top 35 Jazz Artists Under 35…a supremely gifted artist who is able to phrase like Sarah Vaughan but write a lyric like Joni Mitchell.” – CBC 

“Her album Sapphire Birds is accomplished and speaks well of her depth, and proves there is a lot of pop and soul that takes Rae out of the jazz world… the arrangements are sympathetic, remarkably spare enough to provide Rae with accompaniment but giving her room to stand out and sing.” – Vancouver Sun

Poised at the crossroads between innocence and experience, Maya Rae’s voice communicates with an immediacy and commitment that most artists never attain. In an age when so much music feels overproduced and lacking in genuine emotion, Maya’s songs come like a breath of fresh air. Vital, committed and uplifting, the upcoming sophomore release from Maya Rae, ‘Can You See Me?’ is the real deal.

Because she’s been singing professionally since the age of twelve, recorded her first album (“Sapphire Birds”)of jazz and classic pop standards at thirteen, and has gone on to sing with some of the biggest names in Canadian jazz. It’s understandable that much of what’s been written about Maya has focused on how much she’s accomplished at such a young age. And, even though she’ll be just shy of 18 when ‘Can You See Me?’ is released, the quality of the music speaks for itself.

Confident and vulnerable, soulful and revealing, the songs on her new album are as impressive as you will hear anywhere. Produced by veteran roots musician and multiple Juno Award winner Steve Dawson, Can You See Me? takes the listener on a journey through the soul of a deeply talented young artist.

Maya’s live performances allow the listener to hear a young storyteller on stage, weaving her original songs through a concert that is also mixed with jazz standards and classics. Maya says, “I write songs that convey a message of self-love and female empowerment. The main message that I want to get across to my listeners is to promote one’s authenticity and to bring hope and empowerment to those who listen.

TONYE AGANABA

POSTPONED Tuesday, October 27 • 7:30 p.m.

Tonye Aganaba is a multidisciplinary artist, musician, and arts facilitator residing on the unceded territories of the Squamish, Musqueam & Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

Their new album ‘Something Comfortable’ is an intentional and devotional endeavour inspired by their battle with Multiple Sclerosis. The album serves as the score to ‘AfroScience’ an immersive performance and workshop series fusing live music, dance, visual art/digital media and storytelling to stimulate conversation and action around identity, addiction, healing, and expression. Tonye’s shows, workshops, and classes are connected and intimate experiences, and evoke a kind of vulnerability that we all hunger for.

SARAH HAGEN

POSTPONED Sunday, November 29 • 7:30 p.m.

“…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…”

– The Guardian

Canadian pianist Sarah Hagen has performed in concert halls and has been heard on broadcasts throughout North America and Europe. Awarded as Ontario Contact’s 2017 Artist of the Year and the British Columbia Touring Council’s 2015 Artist of the Year, and mentioned by The Guardian (Charlottetown) as the Best Classical Performance of 2014, her interpretations have been described as “outstandingly inventive” [University of Waterloo Gazette], ”played flawlessly” [ReviewVancouver] and “with great sensitivity and heart.” [Vernon Morning Star]

A visionary and an idealist, Sarah presents conceptually innovative performances, involving photography, dance and spoken word. She is Artistic Director for Pro’ject Sound, a performance project involving live piano with large-scale projected images. Her collaboration “Exultation” with Canadian Slam Poetry Champion Brendan McLeod explores Rachmaninoff’s complete Opus 32 Preludes through poetry and storytelling, and premiered to critical acclaim in February 2017.

MAEGAN & AMY

Monday, January 18 • 7:30 p.m.

A Canadian duo in search of a classical Canadian musical identity, we are currently exploring connections between Canadian compositions and works from the traditional canon of classical repertoire.

meagan&amy, a vibrant Canadian duo consisting of violinist Amy Hillis and pianist Meagan Milatz, share an intense passion for innovative programming and fearless music-making. Praised for their energy, sensitivity, and musical maturity, they were awarded the first ever “Pan-Canadian Partnership” recital tour by Jeunesses Musicales Canada, Debut Atlantic and Prairie Debut. As a result, they will tour to over 50 different Canadian cities as part of the 2019-2020 season.

meagan&amy‘s debut album, Roots, was released in September 2019 with the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts. Other recent highlights for the duo include recitals at Ottawa Chamberfest and the Festival International de Lanaudière as well as a national broadcast of their complete recital on CBC’s In Concert in 2018. They are regularly featured on other CBC Music programs such as Tempo with Julie Nesrallah and Backstage with Ben Heppner.

meagan&amy began their partnership in 2011 at the Schulich School of Music of McGill University and have since performed regularly for audiences in eastern and western Canada. With the generous support of the Jeunesses Musicales Canada AIDA fund, meagan&amy studied Québécois and French repertoire in December 2017 as part of a residency at La Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. The duo was also in residence at the Avaloch Farm Music Institute during the summer of 2019. As individual artists, they are both winners of the McGill Concerto Competition and the Sylva Gelber Foundation Award, and have both been featured on CBC’s list of “30 hot Canadian classical musicians under 30”.

MG3 & CGT MONTREAL GUITAR TRIO

& CALIFORNIA GUITAR TRIO

Thursday, February 25 • 7:30 p.m.

Described by the CBC as the “hottest” guitar ensemble in Canada, MG3 has quickly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, as well as an interactive force in various musical forms. For over 20 years, the trio’s virtuosity, rigour, creativity and impressive stage presence – where humour and interacting with the public go hand in hand – have been winning over audiences around the world. The trio, composed of guitarists Sébastien Dufour, Glenn Lévesque and Marc Morin, has given hundreds of concerts in some of the most prestigious venues across North America, Europe, New Zealand and Australia, including the legendary Concertgebouw in Amsterdam, the Rundetårnet in Copenhagen and the BB King Blues Club in New York City.

Winner of the 2011 Opus Award for “concert of the year” in the Jazz & World Music category, MG3 has released six albums, including Der Prinz on Analekta label, which earned him a nomination at ADISQ 2014 for the “Instrumental Album” of the year. In January 2017, the trio launched its 7th album « Danzas » at the Théâtre Outremont in Montreal, which pays tribute to the great composers of Spanish music in the likes of Paco de Lucia and Manuel de Falla. This CD was also nominated for the album of the year at the ADISQ Gala 2017.

Throughout the years, the trio has collaborated and shared the stage with world-renowned ensembles and artists, such as the Orchestre symphonique de Québec, Jorane, Solorazaf and Don Ross. Their most memorable collaboration to date was, without a doubt, with the California Guitar Trio (CGT), when both ensembles joined forces to give an unforgettable concert, brilliantly performing some of the greatest rock classics from The Beatles, Radiohead, David Bowie, a few “spaghetti western” themes by Ennio Morricone, as well as some of their original compositions. Starting in the fall of 2010, the sextet has toured across Canada and the United States, performing in over 100 cities.

Molly’s Comedy Cabaret

March 2021 at the Occidental.

This show is not part of our regular season. 

A comedic romp featuring the power house vocals of BC actress and singer Molly Wilson. From Broadway to pop to Motown, there is never a dull moment! 

What is Molly’s Comedy Cabaret? It is a comedic romp featuring the power house vocals of local actress and singer Molly Wilson. From Broadway to pop to Motown, there is never a dull moment — and every show features a strong likelihood of puppetry! This just might be the best entertainment value in town! 

Reviews
“With a vocal range as wide as Canada itself, Wilson has the chops to successfully pull off the music of Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Queen and Whitney Houston to name a few. Add to that her delightful personality, endearing stories and comedic timing, and you’ve got “Molly’s Comedy Cabaret,” an enjoyable hour with your new bestie, Molly.”
– Orlando Sentinel

“Molly Wilson is wonderfully entertaining, and truly knows how to reach an audience.”
– Freeline Productions, Orlando

Ken Lavigne

Saturday, April 17 • 7:30pm

Ken Lavine and his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style.

Singer Ken Lavigne has charmed his way into the hearts of concert goers across North America with his exciting blend of classical tenor sound and modern style. Joined by a four-piece ensemble, Lavigne takes his audience on a riveting and enchanting journey, retelling his personal campaign to sing at Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops. Told with spectacular songs and entertaining and hilarious stories, Lavigne embodies the spirit of the underdog – audacity, tenacity and ultimately… triumph.

Audience Favourites include: O Sole mio, Funiculi Funicula; Nessun Dorma, Be my love, Loch Lomond, Danny Boy; Hallelujah, Bring him home, Because we believe and more.

Ken Lavigne is a singer, composer, communicator and consummate entertainer. Recognized early for the outstanding timbre of his lyric tenor voice as well as the ease and agility with which he sings, Ken’s career has taken many directions that include his current touring show, The Road to Carnegie Hall.

In 2004, Ken was a founding member of The Canadian Tenors and in 2006, he co-founded the successful tenor trio, ROMANZA, which toured throughout Canada and the United States presenting hundreds of concerts. In 2007, Lavigne shifted his focus to independently producing solo performances and CD recordings that include On the Street Where You Live, Believe, O Night Divine, Keep Holding On and Showtime. Ken releases a new Christmas CD in October 2014 entitiled Comfort & Joy.

Ken woke up on New Year’s Day 2008 and decided he wanted to follow his dream of performing at the prestigious Carnegie Hall. He made his New York Debut twelve months later on January 22, 2009, accompanied by the New York Pops Orchestra. This achievement was a dream come true for Ken and after having received three standing ovations for his performance in New York, the debut has led to further engagements across North America, including exclusive engagements with famed LA producer David Foster.

Ken Lavigne has a long and impressive list of solo concerts and engagements with symphony performances presenting popular songs and traditional tenor arias. With his voice, his presence and his interpretive strengths, Lavigne had the option of taking the traditional route to a career in opera. Following his 1998 debut in Massenet’s Werther, major roles followed in Nabuko, La Traviata, Cenerentolla, The Barber of Seville and Tosca with Pacific Opera Victoria, the Portland Opera and the Burnaby Lyric Opera. In Summer of 2012, Ken performed in Chemainus Theatre’s musical production of Joseph in the role of Pharaoh. Each Christmas, Lavigne performs with the Pacific Maritime Forces Naden Band.

Since his Carnegie Hall Debut, Mr. Lavigne has regularly performed with multi-Grammy winner David Foster and has had the honour of performing for his Majesty Prince Charles last fall. All the while he continues to earn accolades with symphonies and orchestras internationally.