Leonard Pennario Collection

Born in Buffalo, NY (July 9, 1924), Pennario enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the United States and Europe, playing a wide repertoire (over 40 concertos) with most of the major orchestras, and countless recital appearances as well. Beginning in 1961 he collaborated with violinist Jascha Heifetz, cellist Gregor Piatigorsky, and several of their colleagues in a series of chamber music concerts and recordings. He gave the premiere of Miklos Rozsa's piano concerto (written for Pennario). Pennario was acclaimed for his high level of professionalism, consistency, stylistic versatility and impeccable command of the instrument.

Pennario's recorded legacy, mainly for Capitol, RCA Victor, and Angel/EMI, is extensive, and much of his discography remains available on those labels as well as on MSR Classics. Some of his early discs represent first recordings of works by Prokofiev and Ravel.

Pennario died in La Jolla, California on June 27, 2008.

Thanks to a generous donation from Mr. Greg Morse, IPAM now houses digital copies of all of Pennario's recordings as well as digital files containing thorough coverage of Pennario's career. In 2021, the Pennario Collection was significantly augmented by a donation from Dr. Aimee Pearson, containing numerous programs, reviews, and correspondence relating to Pennario's concert and recording activity in the US and abroad.

Much additional documentation is now available at www.pennario.org.