- Dino Kartsonakis
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Dino Kartsonakis Born July 20, 1942
New York, New YorkGenres Christian, classical Occupations Pianist, television host Instruments Piano Years active 1963–present Labels Benson Website dinoplayspiano.com Dino Kartsonakis (born July 20, 1942) is an accomplished sacred pianist of Greek heritage.
Contents
Biography
Dino was born in New York City and attended Glad Tidings Tabernacle. He began playing his grandmother's piano at the age of three. The first song he had learned was "At the Cross." He was enrolled in piano lessons at age five. Dino received his professional training at The King's College as well as the Juilliard School of Music. For many years he served as pianist for the evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman. Dino has traveled extensively and produced well over 50 recordings on his own as well as mainstream labels. He has worked with various other evangelists.
Dino has hosted two television shows, the "Dino and Debby Show" in the 1970s with his first wife Deborah and "The Dino Show" which presently airs weekly on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. Dino has described his style as combining the classical and the sacred. His technique has been described as fluid and brilliant and he has been termed the "Christian Liberace" because of his flair, costumes, pianos and jewelry.
Many of his works are religious-based or contemporary arrangements of classical works. Dino also performs in his own show in Branson, Missouri. Among his accomplishments is production of what is known as the "Peace Series", a collection of CDs featuring more subdued piano arrangements against a backdrop of nature sounds.
Dino performed at Carnegie Hall on December 15, 2005. He has participated in an auction benefiting Music Cares, a charitable organization that helps struggling musicians and entertainers.
Personal life
Dino's first wife was Deborah Marie Keener, whom he married in 1976. They have a daughter named Christina. Dino and Debby subsequently divorced a few years later. Christina Kartsonakis is a singer/songwriter/producer and has been featured on several mainstream projects.
In 1986 Dino married his current wife, Cheryl. Cheryl Kartsonakis is sister to gospel singer Gary McSpadden (formerly of The Imperials and the Gaither Vocal Band). Cheryl has a daughter, Cherie, from a previous marriage.
GMA awards
Eight Gospel Music Association Dove Awards:
- 1978, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986: Instrumentalist of the Year[1]
- 1993, 1996: Instrumental Album of the Year[2]
Discography
- 1963: No Greater Love
- 1964: Request by Dino
- 1972: Alleluia
- 1972: Kathryn Kuhlman Presents Dino
- 1973: The Miracle with David Rose
- 1973: With Love from Dino
- 1974: He Touched Me
- 1974: Salute to the United States of America
- 1975: My Tribute
- 1976: Folk Musical Themes
- 1977: Classic Country
- 1977: Piano Portrait
- 1978: Dino on Tour
- 1978: Love Song
- 1979: Just Piano Praise
- 1979: Rise Again
- 1980: Rush Hour
- 1981: Just Piano Praise II
- 1982: Just Piano Praise III
- 1983: Chariots of Fire
- 1983: Majesty
- 1984: A Christmas Gift
- 1984: Great is the Lord
- 1985: Regal Reign
- 1986: A Place For Us
- 1987: A Wonderful Time of the Year
- 1988: Dino Kartsonakis
- 1989: Peace in the Midst of the Storm
- 1990: All Creation Sings
- 1991: Majestic Peace
- 1992: Somewhere in Time
- 1993: Rhythm of Peace
- 1994: Miracles
- 1995: Classical Peace
- 1996: Quiet Time
- 1997: Moonlight Sonata
- 1997: The Apostle Soundtrack
- 1997: The Lord's Prayer
- 1997: Unforgettable
- 1998: A Christmas Celebration
- 1999: Quiet Romance
- 2000: Quiet Inspiration
- 2002: Somewhere in Christmastime
- 2007: Birthday of the King
Compilations
- 1976: Christmas with Dino
- 1985: Encore
- 1998: Dino Collector's Series
- 2007: Sacred Piano Hymns
Video
- 1987: A Concert Spectacular
- 1998: Music For All Time
- 2000: Christmas Extravaganza
- 2002: Easter Spring Spectacular
- 2007: Birthday of the King
References
- ^ "Dove Award Recipients for Instrumentalist". Published by the Gospel Music Association. Retrieved November 15, 2006.
- ^ "Dove Award Recipients for Instrumental Album". Published by the Gospel Music Association. Retrieved November 15, 2006.
External links
Categories:- Television evangelists
- American performers of Christian music
- Living people
- 1942 births
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