Composer, Pianist and Co-founder of Mannheim Steamroller Coming to Benedictine College

The Music Department and the Kremmeter Series will sponsor a concert by Jackson Berkey on Tuesday, January 23, at 7:00 p.m. in O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium on the campus of Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan. Berkey is best known for his collaboration with Chip Davis to develop “Mannheim Steamroller,” resulting in 30 albums including their premiere work, the very popular Fresh Aire. He will perform original compositions for piano at the recital. The public is cordially invited to attend this free event.

Berkey is an accomplished pianist and composer. He began playing the piano at age 5. His mother learned to play the piano by ear, but insisted that Jackson receive the training she had not. As a result, he was quite an accomplished pianist by the time he entered high school. He has a graduate degree in piano from the Julliard School of Music and is currently a Steinway artist. His compositions cover a wide range of media, including many choral works, orchestral works, chamber ensembles and numerous solo piano pieces.

Berkey and his wife, Almeda, founded Nebraska’s professional chorale, Soli Deo Gloria Cantorum. Almeda formerly was the director of choral activities at the University of Nebraska. The couple will visit classes and work with students as part of their visit to campus.