As a piano duo, Bente Hansen and Jesse Plessis are known for their innovative creations around the meeting places between classical and rock music, and this performance of Ravel and the Beatles: Conversations is no exception. Join us for an exciting afternoon of exploration of the thematic and musical similarities between one of the classical music’s most accomplished composers and one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
Bente Hansen is happily retired after teaching music theory and collaborating with student performers at the University of Lethbridge for 28 years. She also enjoys a prolific career as a rehearsal/pit pianist and musical director for numerous productions at the university and through community theatre in Lethbridge. She is a sought after soloist and collaborator, playing concerts around Alberta, in Denmark and Colombia. She continues to collaborate with university students and is honoured to be sharing this concert with the very talented Jesse Plessis. And retirement? “Best ‘job’ she’s ever had”!
Pianist and composer Jesse Plessis was born in Sparwood, British Columbia, Canada, and he is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation. As a pianist he performs both classical and contemporary music regularly across Canada, Europe, and the United States. Most recent concerto performances include Bela Bartok’s Piano Concerto No. 1 with Orchestre 21, led by Paolo Bellomia. He compositions have been performed by Canadian artists and ensembles including the Fibonacci Trio, Luminous Voices, the Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, Brittany Rae, Jonathon Adams, Continuum Contemporary Music’s HATCH! ensemble, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Land’s End Ensemble, and featured in the documentary film Flora Aurima Devatine, les étoiles de l’aurore – Te feti’a taiao ‘averau. Upcoming projects include compositions for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Standing Wave and several solo piano compositions.
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@btpiano1963 | BT Hansen
@jessetheplessis | Jesse Plessis