David Scheel - The Art of the Pianist-Composer
Born in Australia, David enjoyed dual but separate careers as a concert pianist and actor, on stage, in films and on television. This would all change when he moved to Britain in the 1980s. He soon found himself starring in the famous New Revues in London's West End. Other offers followed, including the lead in the musical, Stepping Out. Whilst starring in another revue his fellow cast members coerced him into trying his hand at a solo show, combining his musical skills and exceptional talent for mimicry. What started out as a one-night dare completely turned David's career around. His first one-man shows soon blossomed into a smash hit, Don't Shoot Me, I'm Only the Piano Player, which has now been touring the world for 15 years. Don't Shoot Me... sold out in West End, then at 3 consecutive Edinburgh Festivals, and led to David being a regular on the top-rating BBC Radio and TV shows, Stop the Week and The Garden Party. By the time David returned to Australia his tally of TV and radio appearances topped 1000.
"He is as funny as any, wittier than most, and, uniquely, a concert pianist of international stature... He stands alone, in a class of his own." [BBC Arts Review, London] "The cleanest, funniest show in London...perfect timing, delicious pausing for maximum effect" [The Stage, London] "A unique combination of classical piano and comedy. The audience was enthralled from start to finish" [WGAM (CBS) TV, USA]
In David's concerts classical music is turned on its head. At any time you may hear a popular folk song played in the styles of Mozart, Rachmaninoff, a iPod Mini (!) and a blues, or he may play a piece by Bach in the right hand and one by Andrew Lloyd Webber in the left, at the same time. A miniature concerto based on the 20 worst tunes ever written is another favourite. But in between times he will unwrap one of the classics, or one of his own highly lyrical compositions, and reveal his true quality as a pianist.
And among all this, side-swipes at the icons of modern living; Junk food, Supermarkets, Computerised voicemail and politics, plus a hilarious translation of the lyrics of Waltzing Matilda, all delivered in a huge variety of comic voices and accents.
"A master of the keyboard" [The Times, Critics' Choice, London]
"Brilliant mayhem! He is a master of improvisation, accents, comedy, and down-right beautiful music"[Adelaide Advertiser, Australia]
Constantly updated with fresh material, Don't Shoot Me... continues to enjoy enormous success worldwide, and it is perhaps small wonder that David has so often been compared with the late, great Victor Borge. David's first major North American tour was greeted with standing ovations from Day One, and now, several tours later, the USA is firmly established on his annual itinerary.
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