[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 166 (Friday, October 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1065]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JEFFREY SIEGEL

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 21, 2022

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a cherished friend, 
Jeffrey Siegel. For over the past six decades, Jeffrey Siegel has 
graced concert halls around the globe as a solo pianist for the world's 
greatest orchestras. As Jeffrey Siegel celebrates his 80th birthday, I 
wanted to join the huge chorus of grateful music lovers who continue 
today to be inspired and enthralled by his performances.
  Jeffrey grew up in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood, as did I. He 
attended grammar school at Rogers School and graduated from Sullivan 
High School--as I did, just a couple of years behind him. With home-
town pride, we watched Jeffrey advance in the world of classical music. 
I was more than a little impressed when Marion Block, my neighborhood 
piano teacher, invited the young Jeffrey to our very modest recital at 
her home to expose us to the wonders of a truly talented young pianist. 
I never forgot it.
  Jeffrey Siegel is a remarkable communicator as well as performer, 
bringing music to life in a unique way. For several decades, he has 
presented ``Keyboard Conversations,'' during which he gives the 
audience fascinating background about the composers, the world and 
times they lived in, and the important features of the composition that 
deserve special attention. Everyone from the newest to the most 
experienced listeners have a richer musical experience.
  Each ``Keyboard Conversation'' ends with a Q and A and a lively 
discussion with the audience. Jeffrey presents these well-attended 
programs on a regular basis throughout the country including at 
Northwestern University where my husband and I try to never miss a 
concert, and occasionally spend an evening talking politics and policy 
over dinner.
  Jeffrey Siegel is a remarkable human being and one of America's most 
esteemed pianists. ``An achievement of the sort seldom heard.'' The New 
York Times.
  Jeffrey Siegel has everything: massive technique, musical sensitivity 
and character-wide tonal resonance, immense reserve of power, and 
ability to communicate.'' Los Angeles Times.
  I wish my dear friend a Happy Birthday.

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