Classical Act

Even before 18-year-old pianist Eldar Djangirov played on Late Night with Conan O'Brien last June, the 2005 graduate of Linda Vista's Francis Parker School had sold over 50,000 copies of his debut CD Eldar (his professional name). Born in Kyrgyzstan in the former Soviet Union, Eldar moved to San Diego with his family about two years ago.

"Sony actually first offered me a contract when I was 12," says Eldar, who was improvising on Mozart by the age of 5. His parents nixed the deal because "They didn't want me to be exploited as some kind of novelty act." Which is his favorite band? "Radiohead...I'd love to do a whole concept album like OK Computer." Eldar appears tonight at Humphrey's Backstage Lounge.