Live Your Passion!
PODCAST
James Kennerley
Municipal Organist of Portland, Maine
Hailed as “a great organist” displaying “phenomenal technique and sheer musicality” (Bloomberg News), James Kennerley is a multi-faceted musician, working as a conductor, keyboardist, singer, and composer. His performances are known for their illustrious flair and thrilling virtuosity, subtlety and finesse, drawing on the full resources of the instrument.
James was appointed the Municipal Organist of Portland, Maine, by the Mayor in September 2017. He has also preformed for the Queen of England several times. These are only a few of his many accomplishments.
James holds degrees from Cambridge University and The Juilliard School. He has studied the organ with David Sanger, Thomas Trotter and McNeil Robinson, and harpsichord with Kenneth Weiss, Peter Sykes, and Richard Egarr. He holds the prestigious Fellowship of the Royal College of Organists diploma.
He is also known for his improvisation and colorful socks and tuxes when he preforms. He is truly gifted and enjoys sharing this gift with others.
Friends of the Kotzschmar organ
Dedicated in 1912, the Kotzschmar organ is one of only two municipal organs in the U.S. Housed in the historic Merrill Auditorium in the Arts district of Portland, Maine, the Kotzschmar offers an annual concert series featuring guest artists from around the world. James Kennerley is the Kotzschmar’s official organist. The organ repertoire is the largest among any solo musical instrument, mastering musical genres from classical to jazz to rock. Because of this range, the Kotzschmar appeals to every kind of music lover, children to adults and amateur listeners to music experts. (www.foko.org)
Links:
Click the link below to listen to the Live Your Passion episode that features James.
Live Your Passion podcast episode with James