(The Villager) — Music is the language of love, and love filled the air at The Normandy Senior Living in Rocky River on Valentine’s Day.
The featured performer was Mikey Klein, an extraordinary pianist who has competed internationally, and was recently featured on Fox 8 News in the morning.
Mikey is 14 years old and an 8th grader at Lakewood Catholic Academy. But he plays like a seasoned veteran on his way to Carnegie Hall! Mikey has, in fact, played Carnegie Hall and the talents he brought to the Normandy showed everyone why. Playing from a song list from a piece of paper folded in his pocket, Mikey covered standards and pop tunes that are among those he plays during his daily four-hour practice sessions.
Mikey got his start just a few years ago, starting with the trombone in his school band. He quickly transitioned to the keyboard when he found a toy piano in the family basement. “We knew then it was time for piano lessons,” said his mom, Donna.
From there, the trajectory has been all upward. His Carnegie Hall experience won him top prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards.
Mikey studies with classical piano coach Halida Dinova, Concert Artist and Piano Coach in the United States and Internationally. She is understandably proud of her prodigy. “I am so proud of you, Mikey! You played Chopin like a mature artist yesterday (Dec. 19) in Carnegie Weill recital hall!”
