With compositions ranging from “old chestnut” to modern marvel, Jeffrey Siegel transports his audience into the minds and hearts of classical composers, interpreting the emotional and contextual meanings hidden in each rendition of the classical melodies he performs, this month on Nov. 20 at GMU’s Center for the Arts.
For over 20 years, Siegel has welcomed music aficionados and first-time audience members into his world by offering a concert with commentary. As Siegel’s audience has continued to grow, he has performed in cities throughout America and internationally in London. He aspires to share classical music with audiences to immerse people in live entertainment, rather than relying on digital interpretations.
What is a keyboard conversation?
It’s a concert-plus, or a concert with commentary. A Keyboard Conversation replaces a formal approach, where performers do not say a word to the audience, with a listening experience that is more meaningful.
Why choose a Q&A format?
When attending a classical music performance, audience members may leave a performance with unanswered questions. Both avid music-lovers who are familiar with a piece of music and first-time attendees want more than a pleasant ear wash of sounds. When audiences learn more about the composition they are about to hear, it makes the listening experience richer. This format engages audiences young and old by keeping avid listeners’ attention and avoiding boring people who are new to classical music. Audiences with varying interest levels benefit from the gentle introduction into the classical music world.
What’s the goal of a Keyboard Conversation?
There is a great need in the current robotic age of entertainment to be enriched by great music. Some compositions were written over 100 years ago, but classical music has never gone out of style. The compositions express grief, pain and joy and transcend time by signifying the same message today as they did when they were written.
How do audiences continue to grow?
At George Mason University Center for the Arts more than 100 different programs have been performed as a result of an audience’s immediate response to seek out meaningful conversations about classical music from a multitude of cultural influences. The experience is inviting, educational and enriching, creating a conversational performance that never goes out of style.
UPDATE: Siegel’s performance at GMU’s Center for the Arts has moved from Nov. 20 to Jan. 8.
