World-renowned violinist returning to Rexburg for a symphony concert
Published at | Updated at
REXBURG — William Hagen, a “‘standout’ among brilliant young violinists,” is coming to perform an emotional and technically demanding piece alongside the BYUI student symphony orchestra on Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., according to the BYU-Idaho website.
The performance will take place at the Barrus Concert Hall in the Eliza R. Snow building on BYU-Idaho’s campus. William Hagen will perform the difficult “Sibelius Violin Concerto” by Jean Sibelius, known for its “over-the-top passion” and technical difficulty, Hagen said to East Idaho News.
The evening concert will also include a performance of the famous orchestral suite “The Planets,” by Gustav Holst, performed by the BYU-Idaho Symphony Orchestra, which explores the seven planets of our solar system.
According to the BYU-Idaho Events Calendar, “Many believe The Planets shaped how space sounds in modern film scores.”
Tickets are $8 for the public and $5 for students with a valid student ID. Tickets may be purchased on the website or from the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office, found just inside the University Store on campus.
Hagen will be performing his piece using a highly prized Stradivarius violin built in 1732 by Antonio Stradivari for its uniquely rich sound on loan from the Rachel Barton Pine Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization.
“It is always a journey playing a piece like this,” Hagen said. “I’m really looking forward to this.”
After hearing a violin performance at a church meeting, Hagen picked up the violin at only 4 years old. He later won his first competition at age 8.
Since then, Hagen has continued to pursue his career as a violinist that has taken him across the globe from the United States, Asia, Latin America and Europe.
“The technical demands of playing violin concertos and any music that I play is really intense,” Hagen said.
While technology offers a lot of quick, visual appeal, Hagen promises a unique experience that is not easily replicated by applications like Instagram.
“The sound is being created in front of you,” Hagen said. “There is a visual element where you will see me work through the instrument to try and produce these emotions (of the concerto).”
For more information on William Hagen and where he may be performing next can be found on his website.