A Canadian of Danish and Latvian heritage, pianist Sandra Mogensen is equally at home in two worlds: performing as a solo pianist and co-performing with singers in recital. She has played in concert in both capacities in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Latvia, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Austria.
In early 2019, Ms. Mogensen’s focus turned to the music of female composers. Her first recording in the series of six albums known as en pleine lumière was released in December 2019, spotlighting composers born in mid-1800s. Volume two (composers born 1870-1900) recording sessions have been postponed due to the pandemic. This series of six recordings is of solo piano music by undeservedly overlooked female and female-identifying composers of the romantic era up to present day.
She has also co-founded a project called ‘Piano Music She Wrote’, in which all piano music on imslp.org composed by women has been catalogued. The ‘Piano Music She Wrote’ YouTube channel features performances of much of this music as well, with a repertoire that continues to expand weekly. In addition, Sandra has also created two directories for those interested in vocal repertoire composed by women: ‘Lieder She Wrote’ and ‘Mélodies She Wrote’.
Sandra’s first solo album, Piano Music of Edvard Grieg, recorded in December 2006, was warmly received and praised. Since then, Sandra has become known as a specialist in Grieg’s music, having released four recordings of the great Norwegian’s music so far.
Sandra Mogensen has extensive pedagogical experience, both as a piano teacher and a coach for singers. Having taught piano internationally via Skype since 2012, she was well-positioned to continue her online teaching when the pandemic situation arose. A former senior member of the RCM Board of Examiners, Sandra is currently an examiner for Conservatory Canada and CNCM. She enjoys adjudicating students of all ages and levels, as a way to support and encourage personal and musical development, while sharing her love for music.
