Join us for the 2026–27 Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel, as the acclaimed pianist enters his 34th year of these engaging concerts plus commentary and Q&As at the Center for the Arts. Praised by The Washington Post for his "pianistic eloquence with a special gift for commentary," Siegel serves as "a musical bridge-builder in action," as the Toronto Star notes. "Siegel showed just how illuminating the combination of words and abstract music may be."
Subscribers receive a 20% discount and the same seats for all four performances in the Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel when purchasing the full series.
To purchase the full series, choose the Keyboard Conversations package (instead of the choose-your-own option); the series seats you select will then be automatically assigned to all four performances. You will see one price per series seat: $192, $166, $122, which includes your 20% savings. (For reference, single tickets for each event purchased individually instead of through the subscription would be $60, $52, $38. Single tickets for youth through Grade 12 are half-price of that individual ticket price.)
As a subscriber, you will then also enjoy the added perk of receiving 15% off individual ticket prices for any other 2026–27 Great Performances at Mason or Family Series events you wish to attend. Select another package online or contact the Center for the Arts Ticket Office to redeem the special subscriber 15% off throughout the season by calling 703-993-2787 or visiting the Ticket Office in person.
The Friends of the Center for the Arts receive priority access to subscriptions, including the Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel subscription, from May 21–May 27, and you can join the Friends for that early access. Subscriptions open to the general public on May 28.
Siegel explained to Northern Virginia magazine in 2016 how this format benefits listeners: "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." The Boston Herald has declared, "Siegel possesses that rare conversation skill - the verbal program note."
2026–27 Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel
These performances are appropriate for all ages, captioned, and have a run time of approximately 90 minutes, plus an intermission. The full series includes the following:
Glorious Musical Jewels – Beethoven and Schubert
Sunday, October 11 at 7 p.m.
The program includes Beethoven’s joyous Polonaise, the beloved Für Elise, and humorous Bagatelles, alongside Schubert’s tender Waltzes, fiery F minor Impromptu, and the heavenly Ave Maria. Praised for his “pianistic eloquence with a special gift for commentary” (The Washington Post), Siegel offers an afternoon not to be missed for new and returning classical music lovers, concluding with a short audience Q&A.
The Brahms I Love
Sunday, January 24 at 7 p.m.
This program celebrates the music of iconic German Romantic composer Johannes Brahms, featuring exuberant Hungarian Dances, charming Waltzes, the passionate B minor Rhapsody, and deeply personal Intermezzos. “Siegel’s programs strengthen the fragile bonds of communication between composer and listener and are as welcome as they are rare” (Chicago Tribune). The performance concludes with a short audience Q&A.
Chopin in Paris
Sunday, March 14 at 7 p.m.
This program explores Chopin’s years in Paris—from 1831 to 1849—where he spent nearly half of his brief and tumultuous life. The repertoire includes the joyful Ballade No. 3, the devilish Scherzo No. 3, the dreamy Nocturne in D-flat, and the uplifting Polonaise in A major. “A musical bridge-builder in action… Siegel showed just how illuminating the combination of words and abstract music may be” (Toronto Star). The performance concludes with a short audience Q&A.
Virtuoso Variations
Sunday, April 4 at 7 p.m.
This program explores the art of variation through music by Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninoff. The repertoire includes Beethoven’s variations on “God Save the King”; Mendelssohn’s Variations Sérieuses; Tchaikovsky’s melodious Variations, Op. 19, No. 6; and Rachmaninoff’s famous 18th variation from Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. “Siegel possesses that rare conversation skill—the verbal program note” (Boston Herald). The performance concludes with a short audience Q&A.
BEFORE EACH PERFORMANCE:
Arrive early before each Keyboard Conversation® with Jeffrey Siegel to enjoy a Young Artists Musicale, featuring piano students of Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association members, happening from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts main lobby.
