Classical music, like all types of music, has its own stereotypes — dull, stiff and traditional. However, one pianist has created a style of his own and has added flair to the traditional.

French concert pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet is described as “recognized world-wide as a virtuosic master interpreter of the piano literature,” according to a press release. However, he does not describe himself that way.

“The most interesting and different thing is that I try to do a lot of different things,” Thibaudet said. “I like to do a wide spectrum of things that you wouldn’t find in typical classical music.”

The wide spectrum includes performing classical and chamber music, jazz compositions and two Schubert impromptus for the motion picture soundtrack to “Portrait of a Lady,” starring Nicole Kidman.

Thibaudet has made a name for himself as a world-renowned concert pianist by traveling the world both with an orchestra and solo to play in places like London’s Wigmore Hall, Paris’ Musgee du Louvre and New York’s Fisher Hall.

He also has won prestigious awards in Germany, the Netherlands and France. With his experience and expertise in this area and with over 20 classical CDs to his credit, his latest release, “Conversations with Bill Evans,” shocked some in the music world.

But, for Thibaudet, the crossover from classical to jazz was not dramatic.

“It’s sad that there is a big categorization,” Thibaudet said. “It shouldn’t be ‘I’m a classical musician so I only listen to and play classical music’ or ‘I’m a jazz musician so I only listen to and play jazz.’ Music is music and I enjoy all music.

“I think classical musicians are not varied,” he continued. “Most are not interested in every kind of music but everything is always linked together.

“Jazz has always been apart of my life,” he added. “And jazz relates to classical. So when I decided to do this, I had to find a jazz musician that linked to classical more than any other.”

Bill Evans was that musician.

“He was trained in classical and was influenced by the French impressionists,” Thibaudet said. “[The CD] was well-received by both sides. People are always amazed to see how it fits and how close it is [to classical].

“I was pleased with the way it turned out,” he continued. “I never listen to my own albums, but this is the only album I ever really listened to because it’s so remote from everything else I’ve done.

“It doesn’t even feel like I played it. It’s relaxing, atmospheric and I enjoy it,” he said.

When Thibaudet is not recording, he is traveling and performing.

“Traveling does not affect my performing,” Thibaudet said. “My main concern is time to practice and every year I set time off to the side to do this.

“The beauty of traveling and playing is you get to meet and know people and learn about different cultures,” Thibaudet said.

However, Thibaudet performs in venues other than the London Philharmonic, Sydney Symphony and the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra; he also has performed in Missouri, California and Nebraska.

“It is important to go different places because everyone needs a chance to listen live,” Thibaudet said. “There’s something magical about live concerts.

“Big cities are spoiled in that way,” he added. “I’ve felt the most welcomed and well-received by smaller audiences.”

Whether the stage is large or small, one thing remains constant in his performances — concentration.

“The moment you start such an intense level of concentration, you are totally lost in another world,” Thibaudet said. “You can feel the electricity, the audience’s presence and their reaction.”

Despite the chance to perform in new environments, traveling can cause some strains.

“It’s a strange life,” Thibaudet said. “It’s exciting, unique and wonderful but difficult to maintain normal relationships. It’s not always easy.”

Thibaudet not only brings the “magic” of live concerts to the stage with his musicianship but also with his stage presence. Some call it superstition, but he wears a pair of red socks at every performance.

“It’s my favorite color and a lucky color,” Thibaudet said. “But it’s more than that. The classical format of recitals is stiff and traditional. Why does it always have to be black and white? I decided to add a touch of color.

“Color is important in life and music,” he added.

His strange and exciting life began at a young age.

“There was a strong musical environment at home,” he said. “We had a piano at home and at three, I began to play with it. I tried to find the chords and songs — it was my favorite game.

“At five, my parents put me into the conservatory,” Thibaudet added. “My parents never pushed me, but they were extremely supportive.”

At age 12, he entered the Paris Conservatory where he was influenced by Ravel, Dubussy and Aldo Ciccolini.

He feels he was never really “discovered.”

“Career is the most bizarre thing,” Thibaudet said. “It is made up of three ingredients: talent, practice and pure luck. In the ’90s, there is another ingredient — the media.

“You need to play the media game and be available,” he added. “People are interested in the people behind the performance.”

Thibaudet will be wearing his red socks while performing his mix of classical and jazz Saturday night at the Iowa State Center.

He will be teaching a master piano class before the concert and holding an autograph session afterwards.

Tickets are $5.50 to $9.50 for ISU students and $11 to $19 general admission and are still available.