Pianist Nina Kennedy Thrills her Audience

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By Christopher Hosford

Nina Kennedy was so wonderful to grace our home, to play Pletnev's transcription of Tchaikovsky's Pas de Deux from The Nutcracker. Nina’s captivating interpretation emphasized its rhythmic drive and emotional depth, and our guests were stunned by the dance's playful, demanding spirit.

Nina Kennedy in Vienna


Nina’s flawless technique in the rapid runs and octave cascades were beautifully clean, and really amazed our guests. We all felt she captured the ballet's playful grace perfectly, with spot-on pedaling that evoked the Nutcracker's orchestral sparkle. In particular, her lyrical phrasing in the adagio variation shone through, balancing virtuosity and emotional tenderness like the pro recitalist she is! 

Did I mention the harp-like evocations that Nina brought out like a champ? Arpeggios galore, up and down, up and down, and our vintage Chickering grand held its own! A virtuoso performance to our assembled guests, like no other! As encores, Nina played a Chopin nocturne and Rachmaninoff prelude. Nina, come back again and again to our home!

____________

Christopher Hosford is editor-in-chief of HosfordGroup LLC, a New York content marketing agency specializing in strategic marketing consulting and the development and application of sales and marketing content in support of programs and campaigns. He continues to contribute regularly to Crain’s New York Business, Advertising Age, and Association of National Advertisers publications.


Nina Kennedy is a concert pianist, orchestral conductor, and award-winning filmmaker. She holds a master’s degree from the Juilliard School. Her memoir, "Practicing for Love," is a 2021 Lambda Literary Award Finalist.

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