The world is celebrating what would have been the 100th birthday of Leonard Bernstein in 2018. Winner of 16 Grammys, Bernstein (1918–1990) was music director of the New York Philharmonic, 1958–1969, and its laureate director until his death. In this spirit, pianist and teacher Jeffrey Siegel recently appeared at Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, continuing his 39 years of Keyboard Conversations® there: “Leonard Bernstein at 100: A Musical Celebration.” In his performances, he plays virtuoso works for the piano by a broad range of composers and briefly discusses the works before playing them. The Chicago Tribune wrote: “Siegel’s programs strengthen the fragile bonds of communication between composer and listener.” And, he continues a Bernstein tradition of teaching. Aaron Stern, the founder and president of the Bernstein-inspired Academy for the Love of Learning in Santa Fe, has said, “Apart from his composing and conducting legacy, Mr. Bernstein has inspired us to affirm his belief in people: to allow each of us to be changed by each other and expand our joy for each other.”

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