Jeffrey Siegel Performs At McCallum Theatre

Desert favorite and McCallum Theatre regular, American pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns to McCallum to conclude this season's Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel performing Liszt - The Devil Made Me Do It! on Monday, March 26 at 7pm.

Siegel's third performance of the season presents the timeless music of Hungarian virtuoso pianist and composer, Franz Liszt. A renowned performer throughout Europe during the 19th century, Liszt is noted especially for his showmanship and great skill with the keyboard. Today, he is generally considered to be one of the greatest pianists who ever lived. Liszt also contributed greatly towards the Romantic idiom and is credited with the invention of the symphonic poem. Among a long list of accomplishments, Liszt is credited with inventing the modern piano recital, where his virtuosity won him approval by composers and performers alike.

His piano compositions include works such as his Piano Sonata in B minor, and two piano concertos, which have entered the standard repertoire. He also made many exuberant piano transcriptions of operas, famous symphonies, Paganini Caprices, and Schubert Lieder. As would be expected from a pianist-composer of Liszt's virtuosity, many of his piano compositions are among the most technically challenging in the repertoire.

Jeffrey Siegel has been soloist with the world's great orchestras including, the Berlin Philharmonic, the London Symphony, Moscow State Symphony, Stockholm Philharmonic, Orchestra of La Scala and the NHK Symphony of Japan. In the U. S., engagements include the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Boston Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. In addition to his solo appearances, Jeffrey Siegel presents "Keyboard Conversations®," a unique, concert-plus-commentary format in which he speaks to the audience about each piece before performing it.

Newcomers to classical concerts have greeted these programs with enormous enthusiasm because they present an informal, accessible and highly entertaining introduction to the vast repertoire of the piano and to classical music in general. Mr. Siegel has also developed a following among seasoned music lovers, who are constantly enlightened by his erudition and delighted by his wit. Ongoing series flourish in numerous American cities, among them New York, Chicago, Washington, D. C., Cleveland, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Atlanta, San Diego, Phoenix, Dallas and Denver. Some of these venues have been presenting Keyboard Conversations® for more than twenty years - resounding testimony to Mr. Siegel's superb artistry, innovative format, and loyal following.

As a conductor, Jeffrey Siegel has appeared with the Pittsburgh Symphony, Saint Louis Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, as well as orchestras in France, Scandinavia and South America. He is equally at home in the dual role of conductor/pianist, directing the orchestra from the keyboard. For thirteen years, Mr. Siegel served as Music Director and Conductor of the Mainly Mozart Festival in Arizona.

Whether you're a conditioned classical music veteran or a newcomer interested in learning more about the timeless classical pieces of Listz, Keyboard Conversations® With Jeffrey Siegel will educate and - most importantly - entertain you.

Tickets for Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel performing Liszt - The Devil Made Me Do It! on Monday, March 26 at 7pm, are on sale now. Ticket prices are $30/20/15. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com