Sarah Slean Loves Her Strings

Sarah Slean Sarah Slean

The sweet orchestral sounds lift our spirits and carry us on a wonderful journey, while the bold and majestic notes of her voice simply take us to a place of musical heaven. Her voice thrills the audience, propelling us into a great unknown as her love and passion truly comes alive through the spirit of the music itself. Sarah Slean, and her radiant glow, brought Gesù Theatre to life.

Sarah Slean at the Gesu. Photo Annie Shreeve

Sarah Slean at the Gesu. Photo Annie Shreeve

On Saturday evening I was fortunate enough to experience Slean’s captivating performance. I witnessed the artful aftermath of her passion, life and talent fuse to create this incredible magic. Watching her perform was a pleasure and an honour.

Sarah Slean is a singer, songwriter, musician, poet and artist from Ontario, Canada. She has released 11 albums to date, including EP’s and live recordings, and has a twelfth on the way. This tour, which finished Sunday evening, focused on her previous double album, Land and Sea. Concentrating on Sea, Slean toured with an incredibly talented group of musicians. Nine strings, one percussion and a vocalist while Slean herself sung and played the piano. The performance was nothing short of perfection.

Sarah Slean at the Gesu. Photo Annie Shreeve

Sarah Slean at the Gesu. Photo Annie Shreeve

And Slean herself says the experience was perfect also. “I have never before experienced this ‘bliss’ of being on stage with these string musicians. It feels so right!” The concert was the final night for Land and Sea, however Slean is the in the process of working on her next album. She says she is unsure of exactly what will come if it, however she knows it will feature strings. “I love strings, because they don’t make words, but they evoke a feeling within you. They stir like nothing else.”

Speaking with Slean before her show was an inspiration. Having discussed ideas about both music and life, seeing her perform made the experience even richer. From a young age Slean admired the beauty of great artists. Beethoven, just to name one! Since a young age she always wanted to create something just as beautiful. “I want to speak that language,” she said. “It’s inspiring. But it is also inspirational to create it. Through music, messages are stronger.”

Sarah Slean at the Gesu. Photo Annie Shreeve

Sarah Slean at the Gesu. Photo Annie Shreeve

Sarah Slean has achieved this. And no doubt she will again with her next album. Listening and watching her perform, I could feel the strength of her ideas, beliefs, stories and messages, and the enthusiasm which stemmed from each of them. I was in awe. There is no doubt that I could write forever about how amazingly talented, inspirational and incredible her performance and outlook on life was. But to save you the time, do yourself a favour and listen to Land and Sea. In due course, when Slean’s up-and-coming album has reached it’s point of perfection, and when the time is right, you will discover her twelfth album and be thankful for every blissful moment I am sure.

Sarah Slean performed at Gesù Theatre on Saturday April 5th