This year, the Northern Lights is excited to host a performer Time Magazine Canada has described as “one of the most compelling acts Canada has to offer.”
Sarah Slean is a four-time Juno and two-time Gemini nominated performer/singer/songwriter, and a CSA winning composer.
One cannot help but be entranced by the remarkable journey this modern-day Renaissance woman has undertaken. Securing a record deal with Atlantic/Warner Records at a mere 19 years of age, Slean’s illustrious career has flourished over 25 years, with a dazzling array of accomplishments.
Her artistic footprint extends across 11 albums released in more than ten countries, transcending conventional boundaries into the realms of poetry, film, painting and classical composition. It is this extraordinary versatility that truly distinguishes her in the musical landscape.
Her collaborations with cutting-edge contemporary classical ensembles, such as The Art of Time, underscore her multifaceted talents, showcasing her not only as a singer but also as a composer of intricate orchestral arrangements. Just before she arrives in Ajijic, she collaborated in a performance with the Edmonton Symphony orchestra to pay tribute to the iconic Joni Mitchell.
A recent graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s screen composing residency, Slean clinched her inaugural Canadian Screen Award in 2021, a clear testament to her diverse skill set. Described by CBC as possessing a voice akin to a “19th century Kate Bush,” she effortlessly navigates through genres like cabaret, pop and orchestral, crafting a musical tapestry that transcends conventional categorization.
Drawing inspiration from a wide spectrum, including Leonard Bernstein, Joni Mitchell and Buddhism, Slean infuses her music with a profound depth that resonates with a global audience. She has graced stages across the globe, both as a solo headliner and alongside luminaries such as Bryan Ferry, Rufus Wainwright, Alanis Morissette, Andrew Bird, Feist, Ron Sexsmith, and Chris Isaak. Her live performances are captivating displays of her commanding stage presence.
Welcoming the musical odyssey that Sarah Slean is set to embark upon in our town, we are privileged to witness an artist of unparalleled caliber and versatility. Her artistry serves not only as a testament to her undeniable talent but also as an open invitation to explore the limitless possibilities of creative expression.
Sarah Slean’s concert is Monday, February 19, at 7:30 p.m. at the Auditorio de la Ribera in La Floresta. Tickets can be purchased online through the Festivaldefebrero.com website or in person at the Auditorio de la Ribera box office, open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also open one and one half hours before any concert.