Leonard Pennario

BMHOF Class of 2007

Born and trained in Buffalo, Leonard Pennario made his debut as a concert pianist at the age of 12. Since then, he has become world renowned for his abilities and techniques. Having played with every major philharmonic in the US and many abroad, Mr. Pennario holds a place in music history and is revered by every fan of classical music performed on the piano.

Mr. Pennario is considered the 20th century pianist who did the most promoting of American music in general; composers such as Gershwin, Gottschalk, Bernstein and Rozsa. In Carnegie Hall, Pennario collaborated in history-making concerts with Jascha Heifetz and Gregor Piatigorsky, having filled the seat vacated by Rubinstein.

Besides having written tunes for movies, Mr. Pennario's achievements include a Grammy Award in 1995.