For all the Early Birds and Piano Students of NEC, I will give a 10:00 a.m. lecture presentation titled “Philly Special,” about the teaching and legacy of Alberto Jonás (1868 – 1943), whose “Master School of Modern Piano Playing and Virtuosity” I have helped to resurrect in the awareness and pedagogy of many of my colleagues. My own students know its 1500+ pages of difficult exercises, well.

Whenever I walk past the former Combs College Conservatory at 1331 South Broad Street in Philadelphia, I nod in homage to Prof. Jonás, whose ghost I believe still roams the building’s hallways — now in use as a funeral parlor. I can still see the elegant Professor, with flamboyant ascot, cutaway coat, waxed moustache, Cuban cigar all at the ready. Back in the 1920s, a Music Teacher was a Music Teacher, and looked like one.

I will perform George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” Ronald Feldman conducting. Concert at 8:00 p.m. in venerable Jordan Hall.

Mozart’s Piano Concerto in C major KV 503 (cadenzas by myself), conducted by Ronald Feldman.