When Alexi Kenney plays the violin, it’s natural for audiences to be swept into a reverie. His performances have been described as spellbinding.
Yet the California native is equally hypnotic when describing a favorite treat, the lumberjack cake—butter and coconut caramelizing into a rich yet delicate crust, the ethereal cake and pops of fruit.
“I have to admit I’m a lapsed baker,” he says of a schedule that has him appearing with symphonies and chamber recitals around the world. “I should be doing more. That’s one of my goals.”
Kenney says there is a unique relationship between baking and classical music. In both practices, the precision necessary to hone one’s skills also informs the ability to improvise. And he is also known for exploring the boundaries of classical music through collaboration with artists like Xuan.
“My main passion is playing new music,” he says.
For his first appearance with the Monterey Symphony, however, Kenney is stepping a bit back in time—while also trying something new. He has never performed Prokofiev’s “Violin Concerto No. 1” before an audience.
The Russian composer chose to ease into the piece. Kenney refers to the first and third movements as dreamlike. But that changes dramatically in the second movement.
“There are some passages that are borderline unplayable,” he says with a laugh—Prokofiev, after all, was considered the “bad boy” of his day. “He was a ballet composer and in dance you are following a narrative.”
While the opening awakens and begins to develop a sense of purpose, the middle is brazen, challenging the instrument. The final movement becomes more lyrical—a conversation that fades back into a dream.
“It’s a gorgeous piece,” Kenney says. “It’s going to be a wild ride.”
The violinist’s appearance marks the opening of the Monterey Symphony’s season. Conductor Jace Ogren will also lead the orchestra through Franz Berwald’s overture to Estrella de Soria, Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” and the “Second Essay” for orchestra by Samuel Barber.
Monterey Symphony with Alexi Kenney performs 7:30pm Saturday, Oct. 17 and 3pm Sunday, Oct. 18. Sunset Center, 908 San Carlos St., Carmel. $50-$90; $12/students, teachers, military. (831) 620-2048, sunsetcenter.org. montereysymphony.org.