Poet of the Piano

Kenner, an internationally lauded Chopinist, brings his technical brilliance here this month when he performs with the Frederic Chopin Society. “Kevin is that special breed of pianist with an all-encompassing technique that always serves the music, whether it be heart-poundingly dramatic or poignantly lyrical,” says Mary Sigmond, Frederic Chopin Society president. “Not only can he do anything he wishes at the piano, but he is extremely intelligent and thoughtful. This makes him especially suited to Chopin, whose works are among the most challenging and expressive in the repertoire.”

For the concert, Kenner’s second with the society, the pianist performs polonaises, nocturnes, and mazurkas by the Polish “poet of the piano,” as well as works by Beethoven, Schumann, and Paderewski. Kenner made his first society performance  in 1991, after making history as the only American ever to win medals at both the International Tchaikovsky Competition and the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition.

Originally from San Diego, Kenner lives in London with his wife Sonia Dembinska, also a pianist, and he teaches at the Royal College of Music. Though Dembinska was raised in Great Britain (her Polish father emigrated to the UK following his release from a WWII German camp), Kenner met her while on tour in Poland, where she was studying at Warsaw’s Academy of Music. “Sonia has long been fascinated with her roots,” Kenner says. “My relationship with her has further grounded the already deeply fond feelings I have for Polish culture. As to whether that has any direct bearing on my understanding of Polish piano music I can’t say, but I feel Poland has become the home of my heart.”

Feb. 4. Janet Wallace Fine Arts Ctr., Macalester College, 130 Macalester St., St. Paul, 612-822-0123, chopinsocietymn.org

Reach Lani Willis at laniwillis@aol.com.