Jeffrey Siegel Returns To McCallum Theatre

Desert favorite and McCallum Theatre regular, American pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns to the McCallum to perform the second show of three in his series Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel® performing Schubert - On the Wings of Song on Monday, February 12 at 7pm.

Franz Schubert was an Austrian composer considered to be the last master of the Viennese Classical School and one of the earliest proponents of musical Romanticism. Although he died at the young age of 31, he managed to write some six hundred songs in addition to nine symphonies, various sonatas, string quartets, and other works. With a genius for original melodic and harmonic writing, Schubert is counted among the greats. Schubert's compositional style progressed rapidly throughout his short life, and he left many stunning masterpieces that, sadly, during his short lifetime, were underappreciated by the public.

However, interest in Schubert's work increased dramatically following his death in 1828, at which time over 100 of his compositions were published posthumously. Chief sonic characteristics of Schubert's work include a kind of spent resignation, ineffably deep sadness, self-consciously determined agitation, heartache (from striking key modulations and groundbreaking voicing), and a diluted intensity that, while lengthy and exhausting, is very moving both during its procedures and at the end. Franz Liszt declared Schubert to be "the most poetic musician who has ever lived."

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. 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 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 Schubert, Keyboard Conversations® With Jeffrey Siegel will educate and - most importantly - entertain you.

Tickets for Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel performing Schubert - On the Wings of Song on Monday, February 12 at 7pm, are on sale now. Ticket prices are $30/20/15. -- www.mccallumtheatre.com