top of page

Performances & Events

I maintain an active performance practice alongside my teaching, presenting curated recital programs that explore thematic connections and a wide range of solo piano repertoire. My programs span music from the 19th century to the present day and may include original compositions or arrangements.

​​

In addition to solo recitals, I am available for collaborative performances and special events.

Booking & Engagements

I am available for concerts, special events, and curated musical experiences in a variety of settings. Each engagement is thoughtfully prepared to suit the occasion, the space, and the instrument available. While I am comfortable performing in many environments, my programming and repertoire choices are always guided by what will allow the music to be presented at its highest level.

​

I primarily perform on high-quality acoustic grand pianos, which allow for the full range of colour, nuance, and technical depth required for advanced repertoire. When performances take place on upright or digital pianos, I am happy to adjust the program accordingly so that the music remains expressive, effective, and appropriate for the instrument. My goal is always to create a meaningful musical experience that suits both the setting and the instrument provided.

att_edited.jpg
IMG_0072_edited.jpg

Artistic Focus

My performances centre on expressive, thoughtfully curated repertoire that highlights colour, atmosphere, and musical storytelling. I design each program with care, balancing artistic depth with the character of the venue and the instrument available, so that every performance feels intentional, engaging, and musically satisfying.

​

My repertoire is especially rooted in the Romantic and early 20th-century traditions, where colour, lyricism, and expressive depth are central. That said, I enjoy exploring a wide range of styles and eras and am always happy to tailor programs to suit the context of an event, the audience, or a specific artistic vision.

Performance Experience

I have presented recitals in a variety of venues, from intimate concert halls and churches to galleries and piano stores. Each space inspires a slightly different program design, allowing me to create a performance that suits the acoustics, audience, and occasion.

List of past recitals

10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios (2025) x2

10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios (2023) x2 (piano 4 hands)

Dominion Chalmers United Church, Ottawa (2019)

Steinway Gallery, Ottawa (2019)

Dominion Chalmers United Church, Ottawa (2018)

MacKay United Church, Ottawa (2018) x2

Steinway Gallery, Ottawa (2016) x2

First Baptist Church, Ottawa (2016)

Rideau Park United Church , Ottawa (2014)

IMG_0080.HEIC

Previous Recital Programs

Whispers of the Night

Nocturne No. 5 – John Field

Nocturne op. 9, no. 1 – Frédéric Chopin

Liebestraum no. 3 – Franz Liszt

Nocturne op. 8 – Sergei Lyapunov

Nocturne L.89 (82) – Claude Debussy

Prelude and Nocturne for the Left Hand – Alexander Scriabin

Nocturne op. 33 – Samuel Barber

Memory (arr. Francesco Parrino) – Andrew Lloyd Weber

Music of the Night (arr. Paul Hankinson) – Andrew Lloyd Weber

​Encore: Nocturne in A flat major – Sarah Molenaar​

Performed November 2025 at the 10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios.

Carols and Classics (Piano 4-Hands)

Carol of the Bells (arr. Zach Heyde and Frank Tedesco) – Mykola Leontovych

Santa Claus is Coming to Town (arr. Bella and Lucas) – Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen (arr. Zach Heyde and Frank Tedesco) – Traditional

O Come Emmanuel (arr. Zach Heyde and Frank Tedesco) – Thomas Helmore

We Three Kings (arr. Zach Heyde and Frank Tedesco) – John Henry Hopkins Jr. 

Greensleeves (arr. Zach Heyde and Frank Tedesco) – Traditional

You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch (arr. Sarah Molenaar) – Alfred Hague and Dr. Seuss

Sleigh Ride Fantasy (arr. Zach Heyde and Frank Tedesco) – Leroy Anderson​

Encore: Nutcracker: "Sugar Plum Fairy" (arr. Eduard Langer) – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Performed December 2023 at the 10,000 Hours Piano Rehearsal Studios and recorded at Ottawa Pianos.

Undercurrents.jpeg

Undercurrents

The Seasons Op. 37a, No. 6: "June" - Barcarolle – Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky

Années de Pélerinage, Suisse IV: Au bord d'une source – Franz Liszt

Prelude Book I: No. 10: La cathédrale engloutie – Claude Debussy

Jeux d'eau – Maurice Ravel

Rivers I (1st Set) – Ann Southam

Rain Tree Sketch II – Toru Takemitsu

Prelude, Op. 28, No. 15: "Raindrop" – Frédérick Chopin

Reflections in the Water – Vincent Chee-Yung Ho

Recorded November 2022 at Ottawa Pianos.

Hommage à Chopin

Mazurka in B flat minor, op. 24 no. 4 – Frédérick Chopin

Variations on a Theme of Chopin's Mazurka, op. 120 – Frédérich Kalkbrenner

Barcarolle in F sharp minor, op. 44 – Anatoly Lyadov

Nocturne no. 1 in F major, op. 2 – Georges Bizet

Intermezzo in A flat major – Francis Poulenc

Polonaise no. 2 – Franz Liszt

Performed and recorded November 2022 at Ottawa Pianos.

CD cover.jpeg

Contact Information

Sarah Molenaar

Wurtemburg Street

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

613-241-5722

  • Youtube
  • Spotify
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Thanks for submitting!

©2025 by Sarah Molenaar

bottom of page