THE Magazine - Dallas / Forthworth

The Lily Cai Dance Company artistically and inventively marries ancient Chinese forms with American modern dance. Established in 1988 by Lily Cai, a native of Shanghai and former principal dancer with the Shanghai Opera House Dance Troupe, the Company is known to perform concerts that highlight Ms. Cai's signature technique and the professional artistry of each dancer. Through increasingly contemporary and artistically intimate works such as Candelas (1997) with lit candles, Southern Girl (1998) with the Alexander String Quartet (seen at the Eisemann Center in April 2007), Detours: Common Ground II (1999) with Dimensions Dance Theater, and Strings Calligraphy (2000) with the New Century Chamber Orchestra, her company bridges the continuum from past to contemporary -- from the spectacular court dances of Chinese dynasties to contemporary works fusing classical Chinese movement and ballet, complemented by dazzling costumes, original music, and multi-media designs.

Pianist Jeffrey Siegel doesn't just give a recital, his commentary-plus-concert format educates audiences about classical music with keen insight and illuminating demonstrations. In Keyboard Conversations, Mr. Siegel never sacrifices artistic intelligence for the sake of mere entertainment. At the same time, his sense of humor and ability to communicate captivate classical music newcomers, who are delighted that they took the risk. The distinguished American pianist has been a soloist with the world's great orchestras, including the Berlin Philharmonic and the London Symphony. In the States, engagements include the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Boston Symphony Orchestra, among others.