Pianist, Accompanist. A native Poland, he immigrated to Canada in 1926 and was naturalized as a Canadian citizen in 1931. He was known for his ability to master the piano, sight-read music, and be adaptable to last-minute changes in programs with impeccable finesse. He performed with the Promenade Symphony Concerts associated with the Toronto Symphony for many years. During WWII, he accompanied entertainers on their trips to entertain troops. While he seldom traveled beyond Ontario, his name was well known in music circles, and top bill performers often changed their performance dates to have Barkin accompany them in concerts and shows. He was among the first recipients of the Canadian Music Council Medal, with the institution noting that he was probably one of the most notable and frequent names to perform on the CBC between 1926 and 1971. He last played in public in 1989. Speaking on his career in an interview, he said, "to be an accompanist is to be somebody else's mind." When asked if he would have preferred the spotlight, he demurred, and said "a good accompanist does not steal the spotlight."
Pianist, Accompanist. A native Poland, he immigrated to Canada in 1926 and was naturalized as a Canadian citizen in 1931. He was known for his ability to master the piano, sight-read music, and be adaptable to last-minute changes in programs with impeccable finesse. He performed with the Promenade Symphony Concerts associated with the Toronto Symphony for many years. During WWII, he accompanied entertainers on their trips to entertain troops. While he seldom traveled beyond Ontario, his name was well known in music circles, and top bill performers often changed their performance dates to have Barkin accompany them in concerts and shows. He was among the first recipients of the Canadian Music Council Medal, with the institution noting that he was probably one of the most notable and frequent names to perform on the CBC between 1926 and 1971. He last played in public in 1989. Speaking on his career in an interview, he said, "to be an accompanist is to be somebody else's mind." When asked if he would have preferred the spotlight, he demurred, and said "a good accompanist does not steal the spotlight."
Bio by: SHaley
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