Grammy-nominated pianist, singer and musical archivist Michael Feinstein said Tuesday that he has signed a contract to become artistic director for Carmel’s new regional Performing Arts Center.

Feinstein said his first-year salary likely will be around $500,000.

“I don’t know exactly what the figure is because it’s something that is going through my manager,” Feinstein said in a telephone interview from London. “It’s probably in the neighborhood of that.”

Feinstein said the job involves a tremendous amount of work and commitment.

“For me to devote the time and energy to the Performing Arts Center, it’s necessary for me to not appear in other places and not be performing other concerts,” he said.

“What I make doing a series of concerts is something that I can make in a relatively small amount of time. The artistic challenge is what has brought me to Carmel.”

Feinstein is joining new Executive Director Steven Libman in leading the center. With a concert hall and two theaters, the $147 million complex is scheduled to open in the fall of 2010.

“It means working with Steven Libman hands-on in shaping all of the programs and activities that are part of the Performing Arts Center, which is a massive job,” Feinstein said.

“It’s something that is crucial to the success of any performing arts center to program different events and concerts that will reflect the desires of the community, to create things that are fresh, that are synergistic.

“I love the challenge. I’m so excited for the opportunity to do this. We will be creating something new that will hopefully please a lot of people.”

Feinstein, 53, lives part time in New York and in Los Angeles but spends most of his time on the road, traveling for performances. He said he will be making an announcement Friday regarding a possible move to the area.

Feinstein is already on the job and will continue when he comes to town for his performance Friday with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra. He said his experience will be beneficial to the center and the community. His connections in the business also will be valuable, he said, whether to draw in performers or audience members.

“Having performed literally all over the world in many, many spaces, from the Hollywood Bowl to intimate settings, my desire is to bring a cross section of what I think is the best of our culture,” he said.

Libman declined to discuss details of Feinstein’s contract, saying they would be announced in a news release later with more details of Feinstein’s new position.

He said he did not have a copy of the contract, which he noted was signed with the nonprofit Carmel Performing Arts Foundation rather than the city of Carmel. He did not confirm Feinstein’s salary.