Mattina Musica, a new morning concert series for classical aficionados, continues on Monday, Jan. 17, with pianist Sarah Hagen.

The concert begins at 10:30 a.m., and all patrons are warmly invited for a cup of coffee or tea in the Sid lobby at 10 a.m.

鈥淎 rarity of musical excellence, technical ease and tonal purity,鈥� Hagen is a sought-after soloist and chamber musician, performing in concerts across Canada as well as in the United States, France, Italy, Germany and Sweden. Her interpretations have been described as 鈥渙utstandingly inventive,鈥� performed with 鈥渋nfinite skill.鈥�

Hagen is an avid collaborator, revelling in the friendships and stimulation that abound in chamber music. She has been on faculty at the Comox Valley Youth Music Centre for more than 10 years, performing in the CYMC Summer Festival with Russell Bajer, Charles Inkman and Victor Costanzi, among others.

While Hagen travels regularly for performances in Europe, she also delights in playing with the premier Canadian ensemble, Trio Accord. Highlights of her upcoming season include a performance as featured soloist with the Victoria Symphony and a forthcoming tour in Sweden.

Hagen has been heard on Swedish Radio 2, CBC Radio One and Two, numerous radio stations throughout North America, and has appeared on Bravo Television.

Her solo album, Glass House Dancing, was nominated for Classical Recording of the Year at the 2009 Western Canadian Music Awards.

For Mattina Musica, Hagen will present a diverse program, including an acrobatic composition by Hungarian virtuoso Franz Liszt and haunting music of Italian composer Nino Rota, best known for his film scores for the Godfather movies.

Tickets are $15.

For more information on this concert and on the entire Mattina Musica series, visit www.sidwilliamstheatre.com, or call 250-338-2430.

鈥� Sarah Hagen