ZeidwiG

February 8/9, Fairmont Southampton Resort

ZeigwiG's reputation as a gifted pianist with an insane sense of humour has earned him rave reviews wherever he has appeared.

"Breathtaking", "genius", "sensational", "mesmerising", "masterful and hilarious" are just some of the adjectives international critics have used to describe his performances, so when he makes his Bermuda Festival debut at the Fairmont Southampton resort this evening, his audience is sure to find fun and laughter a-plenty.

His performance will include a guest appearance by a quartet of Menuhin Foundation of Bermuda teachers: Caroline Gledhill (first violin), Charles Knights (second violin), Karen O'Brien (viola) and Alison Johnstone (violoncello).

ZeigwiG was originally headed toward a professional baseball career, but in the midst of his ski racing season at McGill University, was struck by the revelation which led him to stop in his snowy tracks and aspire to become a pianist.

Age 19 is generally considered an impossible starting point for a career as a concert pianist, but ZeidwiG was unfazed, and against all odds journeyed on, eventually garnering enormous critical acclaim, not only as a concert pianist, but also as a comedian, and later as a composer.

In a class with Victor Borge, David Copperfield, and Siegfried and Roy, ZeidwiG's act is without boundaries — which makes him perfect for international audiences, including Bermuda Festival patrons. During his act, he balances things like a bicycle or string bass on his chin while playing — but he is not a juggler. He can play with his nose, his feet, and in unusual positions: backwards, upside down, and from inside the piano — but he is not a novelty act. Rather, he is a first-rate musician who dazzles audiences with his fusion of comedy, acrobatics and music.

ZeidwiG performs regularly on television all over the world, and also with many orchestras, both as a soloist and comedian. He has headlined in Las Vegas and Atlantic City, and given sold-out solo performances at Carnegie Hall, as well as being a popular entertainer for a host of corporate giants.

Beyond the piano, ZeigwiG is a recognised playwright and film maker. Still skiing and playing baseball, he currently resides in New York.

Then known as Mitchell ZeidwiG, he last appeared in Bermuda in 1990 when he headlined the entertainment programme at the Wendy Wilkinson Performing Arts Fund inaugural, and played to a packed house.

• Tonight's performance begins at 8.30 p.m. There will be shortened performance designed specifically for children tomorrow at 2.30 p.m. For tickets/further information visit website www.bermudafestival.org or contact the Festival box office next to the ferry terminal in Hamilton between 12 noon and 2 p.m. (tel. 296-5774).