CUMBERLAND — Cumberland’s music scene has gained a new resident performer with global experience: Peter Czifra, a Hungarian-born keyboardist, vocalist and music educator who has recently made Western Maryland his home with his wife, Robin.
Czifra is a versatile keyboard artist whose instruments include piano, accordion and Hammond organ. Born in Hungary, he studied classical music and jazz, taught in a music academy, and performed with bands as a cross-genre keyboardist.
Beginning in the early 2000’s, Czifra expanded his career internationally, performing for years as a cocktail pianist on ships, where he played piano bars and lounges for audiences from around the world. That work demands both breadth and flexibility — an ability to move confidently across styles, take requests and keep the atmosphere engaging.
Czifra’s move to Western Maryland comes at a moment when downtown Cumberland continues to broaden its offerings in arts and culture. Czifra played downtown at The Arcadian at 47 Baltimore St. for a wine-tasting event as well as at Winterfest. He will next be featured locally in connection with New Year’s Eve programming at The Arcadian, where he will perform in a piano bar atmosphere during the venue’s “Chasing Midnight: A Piano Bar World Tour” event.
Tickets and more information about the New Year’s Eve event can be found at arcadiangallery.com. Space is limited. The Arcadian is located at 47 Baltimore St.