Classical pianist and conductor Leon Fleisher joins us, once again, for an hour of music and conversation. Described by his music students as the “Obi-Wan Kenobi of the piano” Fleisher was the first American to win the Queen Elisabeth International Competition in Belgium in 1952.
In the mid sixtie’s Fleisher’s career was interupted by a debilitating ailment which effected his right hand. As a result Fleisher began teaching, conducting and specializing in performing piano pieces for the left hand. In 1995 Leon Fleisher returned to performing two-handed works and last year was one of five recipients of the Kennedy Center Honors celebrating lifetime achievement in the arts.
-Marcus
