Talivaldis
Kenins, composer, teacher, pianist, was born, 1919, in Liepaja, Latvia.
Forced out of his native land by Soviet occupation following World War
II, he continued his work as a musician at the Paris Conservatory until
1951, the year he immigrated to Canada to assume duties as organist-choirmaster
for the Latvian congregation at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Toronto.
His teaching career began in 1952 at the University of Toronto. When he
retired in 1984, he was internationally known as an esteemed composer.
Professor Kenins has composed eight symphonies, 12 concertos, major chamber
music and choral works, and has performed abroad with international enthusiasm.
In 1995, he was named Officer of the National Three-Star Order of the Republic
of Latvia. In this 1988 view at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto, the Honourable
Lincoln Alexander, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, congratulates Dr. Kenins
at the première of Gloria by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir. [Photo,
courtesy Talivaldis Kenins]