Alexi Kenney, violin

Recipient of a 2016 Avery Fisher Career Grant, violinist Alexi Kenney is praised for his “beautiful, aching tone” (Strings), and elegant and unostentatious clarity. In addition to his sublime music-making, he has a penchant for experimenting with programs and commissioning new works; he makes his Celebrity Series debut this season in a fascinating, highly-curated solo recital.

In recent seasons, Kenney has performed recitals at Wigmore Hall, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and beyond. He has appeared as a soloist with the Pittsburgh and Detroit symphonies, among others, and made a play-conduct appearance with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. 

This recital for solo violin with and without electronics, which the New York Times called “breathless and often daring,” is entitled Shifting Ground. Kenney weaves selections from Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas with contemporary compositions, placing the past and the present in a compelling dialogue. Contemporary selections include music by Steve Reich, Paul Wiancko, Du Yun, and the Boston premiere of new works by Salina Fisher and Angélica Negrón.

The program, in Kenney’s words, shows “that art need not be defined by era to express our shared humanity.” The New York Times wrote, “the rising musician Alexi Kenney juxtaposed Baroque and contemporary solo works in a recital that revealed a kinship among them.”

This performance also has a streaming option February 24- March 2.

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The 2022/23 Debut Series is generously sponsored by Harriet & David Griesinger and the Longy School of Music of Bard College.

This performance is made possible in part by support from Celebrity Series' LIVE PERFORMANCE! Arts for All Innovation Funds.