CLASSICAL | Franz Liszt symposium 

Nineteenth century pianist Franz Liszt was arguably the first pop star. A rare composer who lived to see his widespread fame, Liszt inspired unparalleled fervor among his fans. The notoriety hasn't abated, and now the Romantic era legend is the subject of a three-day conference, "Liszt and Virtuosity — An International Symposium." Located at the University of Rochester and Eastman School of Music, the symposium runs Thursday through Saturday. Highlights include an all-Liszt program performed by Eastman students and a talk given by preeminent Liszt biographer Alan Walker. But perhaps most fascinating is a Friday morning concert in Hatch Hall featuring the "Hexameron" for two pianos, a version which is unpublished and has never been performed. This work was a collaboration spearheaded by Liszt, but it also features music by other composers such as Frédéric Chopin and Carl Czerny.

"Liszt and Virtuosity" takes place Thursday, March 2, through Saturday, March 4, at Rush-Rhees Library (755 Library Road) and Eastman School of Music (26 Gibbs Street). Various times. All events are free. A full list of the symposium's events can be found on the Eastman School's online concert calendar. 274-1000; esm.rochester.edu.