January 16, 2008

Pianist Jeffrey Siegel to perform 'Keyboard Conversations' at Purdue

The event, presented by Purdue Convocations, is part of a three-part Convocations series called "Listening to Ludwig: Beethoven Masterworks Revealed." For his all-Beethoven program, Siegel will illuminate some of the composer's most familiar pieces, including "Für Elise," "Moonlight Sonata" and Sonata op. 110, written when Beethoven was completely deaf.

With an interactive format, Keyboard Conversations differ from traditional recitals in which the performer might not speak at all. Siegel performs each work on the program in its entirety, but before performing each composition, he speaks briefly and informally to the audience, illustrating with a few pertinent examples from the keyboard.

Kerry Schutt Nason, Purdue Convocations director of marketing, said the stimulating setting, which includes a question-and-answer session, is designed to attract avid music lovers looking to increase their understanding and enjoyment of familiar works, as well as to engage newcomers to classical music with an entertaining, upbeat format.

"Today, we read a great deal about the declining interest in classical music," Siegel wrote on his Web site. "I believe, however, that the transcendent dimension music adds to our lives is more necessary now than ever. As human beings, we need to be moved, affected and inspired - and if we lend an open ear and willing heart, great music can inspire us uniquely.

"The ever-expanding audiences for Keyboard Conversations throughout the United States reaffirm my conviction that this stimulating concert format makes friends for classical music and enriches listeners profoundly."

Siegel's career as a piano soloist includes appearances with some of the world's best orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic and London Symphony. As a conductor, Siegel has appeared with the Pittsburgh, Milwaukee and St. Louis symphony orchestras, the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, as well as orchestras in France, Scandinavia and South America. He also serves in the dual role of conductor/pianist, directing the orchestra from the keyboard. For 13 years, Siegel has served as music director and conductor of the Mainly Mozart Festival in Arizona.

Through his Keyboard Conversations, Siegel has developed a following among seasoned music lovers, Nason said. Ongoing series have flourished in cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Cleveland, Atlanta and San Francisco, and some of the venues have been presenting Keyboard Conversations for more than 20 years.

Tickets are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $26 for adults and $16 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Source: Kerry Schutt Nason, Purdue Convocations director of marketing, (765) 494-5045, knason@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Publication-quality photos of Jeffrey Siegel are available at https://www.purdue.edu/convos/siegelimages.shtml

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