Sunday evening Jerry and I went to the Indian Wells Desert Symphony at McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert. The special guest star was Peter Nero and what a treat - a privilege, really- to see and hear this master of masters. I've seen people who can make things look easy, but Peter Nero made playing the piano look effortless - so much so that if someone had said,"Go on. Esther. Go up there and take a turn on the Steinway," I honestly believe that I could have done so. That's just how amazing he is!

It was fun watching the orchestra players watch Nero. He is a musician's musician. His medley tribute to Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story is something that will remain in my head forever.

This is our last symphony before leaving for Vancouver Island, April 1. The Classical Mystery Tour, Peter Frampton, Jose Feliciano - it's been a great season for the symphony, and for us.

Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel

Tonight Jerry and I are going to the McCallum Theater in Palm Desert (a regular haunt of ours) for an evening of Keyboard Conversations with Jeffrey Siegel.

We have been to several of Jeffrey's other shows, as he is a marvelous pianist (no matter how you pronounce it). What makes his performances particularly enjoyable are the informal talks Siegel provides before each piece of music is played in its entirety. His overviews (along with nifty demonstrations on the piano and a great sense of humor) are incredibly interesting and fun, adding another dimension to the musical experience. Additionally, after the performance is over, Siegel fields (many times speculative) questions from the audience about the composer's life and music. We always come away invigorated! Tonight, the show is called: "Schubert: The Wings of Song."