Classical pianist Jeremy Weinglass cuts an imposing figure, standing over six feet, but it’s his highly energetic performance style that gets the most attention. He becomes so moved by the moment that he plays classical piano as if he were possessed by the spirit of Jerry Lee Lewis. This passion for his music led to a decade-long to write a series of songs inspired by the 12 months of the year, using one of the 12 musical keys for each month.
The result is the intensely moving ODYSSEY: A TWELVE MONTH REVOLUTION, which features 12 movements, written for piano and violin, accompanied by contemporary dance. The debut performance of ODYSSEY: A TWELVE MONTH REVOLUTION will be held on Friday, January 14, 2011 at 7:00 PM at the El Portal Theatre in North Hollywood’s Arts District with 100% of the ticket sales going to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.
“This is a dream come true,†said Weinglass, “ODYSSEY is a labor of love. It’s taken 10 years to get here. I am thrilled to have my work provide support to Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization that continues to have such a profound impact on my life.â€
Weinglass, who hails from the Bay Area and who has been playing piano since he was 7, took part in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program when he was a child. He credits his Big Brother, Scott, in providing him with the guidance and support that he needed to succeed. Now, as an adult, seeing how children continue to get lost in the system, he has become a Big Brother himself. As with ODYSSEY, it has all come full circle.
“Jeremy’s personal experience with Big Brothers Big Sisters clearly illustrates the lifelong impact our program has had on its participants,†said Tiffany Siart, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. “We’re honored to be the beneficiary of this wonderful event.â€
Weinglass is joined on ODYSSEY by the equally animated Chris Woods on violin. Their musical bravado, along with the spectacular performances by choreographer, fire dancer and Burning Man sensation Michelle “Star†LaVon, who has appeared on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, aerialist Sunny Soriano, and fire dancer Michael Tam Wood under the guidance of award-winning director Stephen Hues (Ring Cycle at Los Angeles Opera) will make this a magical celebration of the seasons to remember.
