Sahara von Hattenberger
"With (her solo album) 1Q84, we discover a solo artist who navigates contrasts of genre and style with ease, gifted with beautiful musicality, sound and an airy, lithe, highly precise technique."
— Frederic Cardin, PANM360
About
Sahara von Hattenberger
Sahara is a member of the Chamber Orchestra of New York, and is the co-founder of Duo Étrange (Cello+Soprano). Duo Étrange released their debut album through ATMA Classique, Canada's most prestigious classical label, featuring 5 new commissions with a debut at Montréal's famous Salle Bourgie series. Duo Étrange recently completed 4 shows in NYC directed by legendary opera/theatre director Marcus Shields.
Sahara has been the recipient of many sizeable grants from the Canada Council for the Arts, allowing her to commission dozens of Canadian and American composers. She has been a resident artist at BangOnACan, Yellow Barn, Avaloch institute, and Pôle Relève through Le Vivier.
As a graduate of the Schulich School of Music at McGill University, (B.A. 2016 / M.M. 2018), she completed her primary studies with Matt Haimovitz, Brian Manker, Ariel Barnes, and Elizabeth Dolin with additional tutelage from Colin Carr, Johannes Moser, Philipe Muller, and Truls Mork.
Sahara's music has been featured on CBC Radio Canada, Jazziz, V13, AllAboutJazz, whole note magazine, and more.
In 2024 she released her first solo album through the label Odd Sounds with collaborative pianist Joanne Kang (from Carnegie Hall's: "ensemble connect") as well as acclaimed jazz performers Jim Doxas (drums) and Adrian Vedady (bass), which featured repertoire by Claude Bolling alongside three new commissions by Grammy-winning composer Remy Le Boeuf, Malcolm Sailor, and Jeffrey Fong. Her mission as a chamber musician is to bring engaging contemporary music to the forefront.
CD available for sale on Bandcamp.
Recognition
Press & Awards
Interview with Frederic Cardin
PANM360
Discussing my album 1Q84
Read more → Interview with Frederic CardinReview of my album 1Q84
“"With 1Q84, we discover a solo artist (von Hattenberger) who navigates contrasts of genre and style with ease, gifted with beautiful musicality, sound and an airy, lithe, highly precise technique.." A very nice album." ”
panm360
Read more → Review of my album 1Q84review of duo étrange's album "I wish I were dead"
“Mysterious and twilight worlds, sometimes sensual, always firmly rooted in the poetry of words and sounds, unfold before the music lovers who dare to show up for the appointment. Sahara von Hattenberger is excellent and contributes to the strength of this union with her athletic playing, richly adorned with deep and resonant tones.”
panm360
Read more → review of duo étrange's album "I wish I were dead"duo étrange dispels all doubts - if there were any
“"Sahara - a cellist to remember" "On the cello side, Sahara von Hattenberger demonstrates a lot of character, impeccable technique, and strong emotional immersion, without any affected embellishment. A superb performer" ”
panm360
Read more → duo étrange dispels all doubts - if there were anyall about jazz review 1Q84
“"von Hattenberger showcases her mastery on her instrument with agility and panache."”
All about jazz
Read more → all about jazz review 1Q84Review of 1Q84 - textura
“Give Montreal cellist Sahara von Hattenberger full marks for ambition. Not only does 1Q84 (titled, of course, after the Haruki Murakami novel) comprise two discs of material, its first is an hour-long treatment of Claude Bolling's Suite for Cello and Jazz Piano Trio. The exceptional calibre of playing she and partners Joanne Kang (piano), Adrian Vedady (bass), and Jim Doxas (drums) sustain for the full measure of the performance is remarkable. Performing a work of such scope isn't for the weak of heart, but von Hattenberger never falters in scaling this chamber jazz mountain. IQ84 is a grand statement by the cellist that impresses for its inspired concept but also the high level of musicianship. Sahara is a cellist of exceptional skill, versatility, and, as the Bolling performance demonstrates, stamina; the cadenzas that intermittently appear make that even more clear than does her playing as a quartet member.”
Textura
Read more → Review of 1Q84 - textura1Q84 review - making a scene
“This is chamber music at its best. It’s an astounding album”
making a scene
Read more → 1Q84 review - making a sceneReview of live concert at salle bourgie
“"Von Hattenberger, for her part, literally breathes with her voice. The cello follows every inflection, in an almost telepathic, organic dialogue."”
ClassyKeo
Read more → Review of live concert at salle bourgieduo étrange reinventing vocal chamber music
Read more → duo étrange reinventing vocal chamber musicreview of duo étrange at salle bourgie
“Von Hattenberger incarne quant à elle le socle musical du duo, toujours précise, investie, intentionnelle et ancrée.”
revuelopera
Read more → review of duo étrange at salle bourgie