Spotlight Sunday - Blake Hansen
Happy Sunday! We are back this week featuring pianist, Blake Hansen. Blake was more recently a featured on the Hartford Opera Theater stage in world premiere of The Faith Operas. If you missed The Faith Operas, it is not too late to catch Hartford Opera this season. We are ramping up for The Tender Land in June at The Aetna Theatre at the Wadsworth Atheneum.
A much sought after accompanist and chamber musician, Blake Hansen collaborates as a rehearsal and performance accompanist for Hartford Opera Theater, CT Lyric Opera, Madison Lyric Stage, and the Greve Opera Academy in Italy. He also accompanies several choirs in CT, including the choirs of the Hartt School, CONCORA, and the Griswold Community Chorus. As a chamber musician, he currently collaborates with pianist and mezzo-soprano Rebecca Batista de Almeida and violin virtuoso Adrian Sylveen. Mr. Hansen has performed in notable venues,both nationally and internationally, such as Steinway Hall in New York City, Teatro Municipal de Niteroi, Brazil, and the Illsley Ball Nordstram Hall in Seattle, WA. Blake Hansen graduated from the Hartt School, University of Hartford, in 2013 with a Master of Music in piano performance under the tutelage of Luiz de Moura Castro. He now performs frequently as an accompanist and soloist in the U.S., South America, and Europe. Although primarily a pianist, he also pursued studies in violin, double majoring on both instruments during his undergraduate studies at Principia College Here is what Blake has to say about "opera without borders" -
For me, Opera Without Borders signifies an important aspect of music-making for which all artists should strive. The greatest joy of music lies in the connections we make, the communication that inspires, and ultimately uplifts. All too often there can be a perceived aloofness in classical music, new and old. It is our goal as performers to make sure the audience leaves with at least one magical moment that speaks to them. As artists, it is our responsibility to make the effort to reach out to our audience, and sometimes that means adapting our performance to be accessible in creative ways. Opera Without Borders is a mission with the goal of serving as a source of inspiration for as many people as we can reach!
We will be back next week with more features and information about how you can get involved with The Tender Land and our opera without borders initiative!
