Peter Nero!

Contact: Jill Graziano Laiacona

(703) 993-8794

jgrazia1@gmu.edu

GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY’S CENTER FOR THE ARTS

                                    PRESENTS

                                        PETER NERO

                        “MUSIC OF THE HEART”

                       Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at 8 p.m.

            FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 16, 2014 – Celebrate Valentine’s Day at George Mason University’s Center for the Arts in Fairfax when legendary pianist Peter Nero performs an evening of romantic music that blends popular and classical styles. The two-time Grammy Award winner presents “Music of the Heart” on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2014 at 8 p.m.

            “Music of the Heart” features this virtuoso pianist and entertainer extraordinaire combining works of popular and classical composers, including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Memory” from “Cats” with touches of Puccini’s “Un Bel Di,” Cole Porter’s “Night and Day” blended with Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and a series of variations on “I Got Rhythm” fused with sounds of Rachmaninoff, Beethoven, Liszt, Mozart and Prokofiev.

Hailed as “the epitome of the pops conductor/performer,” by The Washington Post, Brooklyn-born Peter Nero began his formal musical training at age 7 and was accepted to New York City’s prestigious High School of Music and Art; shortly after, he won a scholarship to study at the Juilliard School of Music. Nero released his debut album in 1961 and won the Grammy Award for “Best New Artist” that same year. In the following years, he released more than 65 albums, received another Grammy Award and garnered an additional 10 Grammy nominations. He has collaborated with the likes of Mel Tormé, Maureen McGovern, Doc Severinsen, Rod Stewart and many others. In addition to his Grammy Awards and nominations, Nero has earned countless accolades, including a Golden Globe nomination and a Hollywood Reporter Award for his score to the movie “Sunday in New York,” a million-selling gold single and album for “Summer of ’42,” several honorary doctorates, a Lifetime Achievement Award and inductions into the walk-of-fames for Philadelphia and Miami.

The founding musical director of Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®, Nero led the celebrated ensemble in performances since 1979, delighting audiences of all ages with its unrivaled blend of popular classics and favorites in the genres of big band, Broadway, jazz, classical, swing and rock ‘n’ roll. He left the Philly Pops after the conclusion of the 2012-2013 season, his 34th with the orchestra. He will continue to guest conduct the Philly Pops, as well as make guest appearances with several leading American orchestras, including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Symphony in the 2013-2014 season.       

Tickets for PETER NERO’S “MUSIC OF THE HEART” are $60, $52 and $30. Family Friendly: performance suitable for families with children. Youth Discount: tickets are half price for youth through grade 12. Visit the box office (open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or charge by phone at 888-945-2468 or visit cfa.gmu.edu. The Center for the Arts complex is located on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus at the intersection of Braddock Road and Route 123. Paid parking is located in the Mason Pond Parking Deck adjacent the Concert Hall and FREE parking is located in university Lot K. For more information, please visit cfa.gmu.edu. Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/gmucfa and follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @GMU_CFA.