Yukon Territory composer and pianist Matthew Lien returns to the Chilkat Center auditorium for a performance of original songs starting 8 p.m. Saturday, March 21.
Lien’s solo performance on guitar and piano will feature songs from his recently released 17th album, “Headwaters – Music of the Peel River Watershed.”
Concert organizer John Hunt said Lien is known for his smooth voice and love songs, as well as for the song “Kluane,” a tribute to the wilderness area north of Haines. The song was supported by a grant from the Yukon government at the time of the wilderness designation.
“Matthew is socially aware. He writes great songs about the environment and places he’s visited and lived,” Hunt said this week. “His music celebrates the beauty of nature, life and love.”
“Headwaters” is a musical interpretation of the 550-km canoe expedition on the Yukon’s pristine Peel River wilderness.
The concert is the first to showcase the new sound system at the Chilkat Center.
Hunt said Lien’s modern sound ranges between Celtic folk and pop, but he also plays jazz.
Lien’s album sales have reached platinum status in Taiwan. He was appointed “special envoy to Taiwan” by the Yukon government, and “cultural ambassador” by the Taiwan government’s Ministry of Culture. He also was named Esquire China Magazine’s 2012 “Man of the Year” for environmental accomplishments.
In the late 1990s, Lien’s distinctive voice, musical styles and strong performances took him to Taiwan, where he garnered awards for musical composition, production, and arranging, as well as other awards for work in television production, Hunt said.
Hunt said the show has been months in the offing. “I tried to get him up here last fall. I just want to bring him back to Haines so people can hear him again. It’s been 25 years.”
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students and seniors. For more information, contact Hunt at 314-3239 or [email protected].