Rouge Gold Azul: Color in Music

About the Artist

Pianist Kenneth Saxon has performed as a soloist and collaborative pianist on three continents, including recent appearances in Sri Lanka, India and Costa Rica. Known for his wide-ranging repertoire, Saxon has premiered works by Justin Writer and Kawai Shiu and regularly explores works by Schumann, Crumb, Bartok, and Kurtág. Saxon’s recording of the Rachmaninoff Preludes, Op. 32 was praised for the “fineness of touch . . . and excellent handling of polyphony” by William Kreindler for MusicWeb-International. Saxon uses color, touch, and timing to create distinct sound worlds for each composer. His distinctive programming helps audiences make unexpected connections between the music and their own lives. An entertaining and engaging presence, Saxon often introduces works with a brief story about the pieces and his own experiences with them. Recent programs that include a storytelling element include: A Secret Tone, Cold War Recital, Out of Doors #1. Kenneth is Professor of Music at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. He has published articles on sight reading in the Piano Pedagogy Journal, American Music Teacher and Pianist magazine. His book Steps to Success has helped hundreds of musicians improve their sight-reading fluency. Kenneth loves spending time with his awesome family at their home on a beautiful resaca in Brownsville, sharing his love for music and nature with his wife and children. He has been profoundly moved by the diverse and unique ecology of the Rio Grande Valley and loves working to promote its conservation.