Keyboard Conversations® with Jeffrey Siegel: Glorious Musical Jewels – Beethoven and Schubert

Internationally acclaimed pianist Jeffrey Siegel returns to the Center for the Arts for the latest installment of his Keyboard Conversations® series, an evening that blends engaging spoken commentary with virtuosic piano performance. This program, titled “Glorious Musical Jewels – Beethoven and Schubert,” presents a selection of short, sparkling works by two Viennese masters. The Beethoven portion includes the joyous Polonaise, the beloved Für Elise, and a set of humorous Bagatelles; the Schubert selections feature tender Waltzes, the fiery F minor Impromptu, and the heavenly Ave Maria. Siegel, praised by the Washington Post for his “pianistic eloquence with a special gift for commentary,” guides the audience through each piece before the performance, and the evening concludes with a short question‑and‑answer session. A pre‑performance recital by young piano students from the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association takes place in the lobby at 6 p.m., offering a chance to hear the next generation of musicians before the main event.

When: Sunday, October 11, 2026, at 7 p.m.

Showtimes: One performance only at 7 p.m.

Tickets: General admission prices are $60, $52, and $38, with all fees included. Half‑price tickets are available for youth through grade 12. A limited number of free tickets are available for George Mason University students; these become available two Tuesdays before the event. Subscribers who purchase all four Keyboard Conversations® performances save 20%, and choosing three or more events from the full Great Performances at Mason season saves 15%.

Lineup: Pianist Jeffrey Siegel, with a pre‑performance “Young Artists Musicale” featuring piano students of the Northern Virginia Music Teachers Association.

Run time: Approximately 90 minutes, plus intermission.

Ages: This performance is appropriate for all ages.

Venue: George Mason University Center for the Arts, Concert Hall, Fairfax Campus.

Note: The performance will be captioned. A digital program will be available the week of the event. The pre‑performance young artists recital begins at 6 p.m. in the main lobby at no additional charge. Free tickets for Mason students are limited and must be claimed in advance.