Kochanski Helps Create New Fans Of Classical Music

Pianist Wladimir Jan Kochanski, who will be returning to Spokane to appear at The Met on Monday, is a Juilliard graduate who has made it his business to connect people to classical music.

The Texas native is known for his humor and storytelling as well as his piano playing. His goal is to “make the music accessible, so people will come back again and again.” He says, “If they leave the hall and say, ‘He’s wonderful, but I guess I just don’t understand classical music,’ then I’ve failed.’ “

Kochanski has connected with many people via many guest appearances on television, including “Voice of America” and “Good Morning, America.” He has also released 13 recordings.

The piano giants will be represented on Monday’s program, which will include a Schubert Impromptu, Chopin’s “Ballade in F Minor,” “Barcarole” and a “Polonaise” as well as Lizst’s “Concert Etude No. 3 in D-flat” and a “Hungarian Rhapsody.”

Entertainment will also be on the bill. As one critic has said, “To give a concert without humor, Kochanski would simply have to refrain from saying anything at all.”

Kochanski says, “If you help the audience appreciate the music, the music will do the rest.”

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CONCERT Wladimir Jan Kochanski will perform at 7:30 p.m. Monday at The Met. Tickets are $11 for adults and $6 for children, available at the door or by calling Edie Kaye Tomblin at (509) 226-0668.