January 30, 2009

Pianist Jeffrey Siegel to play American classics in informal performance

The performance is presented by Purdue Convocations as part of its Classics series.

A conductor and soloist who has appeared with many of the world's top orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, Berlin Philharmonic and London Symphony, Siegel will incorporate his own commentary and insights into his Keyboard Conversations, which differ from traditional recitals in which the performer might not speak at all, said Abby Eddy, director of marketing for Purdue Convocations.

Before performing each composition, Siegel speaks briefly and informally to the audience, illustrating with a few pertinent examples from the keyboard. The 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, Eddy said.

Following an enthusiastic response to his January 2008 program titled "The Power and Passion of Beethoven," Siegel's encore performance will feature classics by American composers, including a rarely heard solo version of George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," Aaron Copland's "The Cat and the Mouse," plus some lesser-known tunes, including the Purdue premiere of Leonard Bernstein's unpublished "Meditations on a Wedding."

Tickets are $26 for adults and $16 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. 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.  Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more can be ordered at (765) 496-1977.

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

Source: Abby Eddy, (765) 494-5045, aeeddy@purdue.edu

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

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