|
Originality, strength of interpretation and perfect mastery of his instrument are some of the qualities ascribed to one of today's
most formidable and exciting pianists, Kemal Gekic, whose playing has been praised worldwide by public and critics alike.
What makes him so unique is his artistic "credo" that encompasses both a knowledge of all facts essential to reconstructing the original
idea behind the works he plays and the power to bring it alive for today's audiences. He presents fascinating, uncompromising and ever-changing interpretations.
He graduated in 1982 from The Academy of Arts in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia, with the highest mark ever granted a diploma exam recital, and was immediately given a
faculty appointment by the piano department.
He earned his Master's degree in 1985, the same year he created a sensation at the Chopin Competition in Warsaw.
Since 1985 he has had an extensive concert activity throughout Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, South America, Africa, USSR, Middle East
and Far East. His performances have been broadcast by RAI Italy,
TV Portugal, TV Yugoslavia, NHK Japan, POLTEL Poland, Egyptian TV, NDR Germany, RTV USSR, Intrervision, PBS USA and CBS Canada.
As a recording artist, Kemal Gekic has won accolades in Europe, America and Japan for insightful, and original views of the music of
Handel, Mozart, Chopin, Scriabin and Liszt. His outstanding Naxos CD of Rossini-Liszt Transcriptions has won 'The Rosette' of the Penguin Guide for music,
while his JVC CD of Liszt's Twelve Transcendental
Etudes is generally considered to the best recording of the set in history.
Born in Split, Croatia, Kemal Gekic lives in the United States and he is The Artist in Residence at the Florida International University.
He performs worldwide.
"His performance encompasses all possible perfection of expression and fantasy, not only mechanical or digital impeccability."
- Takashi Momose, The Record Gejitsu, Japan
"Wild fireworks extravaganza...seems to defy the laws of nature...fascinating and subjugating"
- LeDevoir, Canada
"He is sometimes like the general who has learned all the rules in the book and is therefore free to ignore them at the time of war"
- James Roos, The Miami Herald, USA
"A phenomenal pianist. His Transcendental performances of Figaro Fantasy and Chasse Neige are beyond compare."
- Alan Walker, noted Liszt biographer, Canada
|
