When I was young, I attended several of Wladimir's concerts, thanks to the support of my dad who would take me. We purchased several of his albums and tapes, I read his autobiography and did a report on it, drawing the cover photo of one of his albums as part of my report on the book for school and attended one of his masterclasses in Southern California.

After one concert, he said that he had brought something for me - the cuff links that he had worn at his first solo concert! I was about 12, and I have those treasured cuff links to this day. 

On another occasion, he and I talked about Liapounov's Lesghinka that he had played, and he sent me a photocopy of the manuscript that he had used to learn it. I still practice from that copy to this day, as it is a difficult piece and I don't have much time to practice :)

Occasionally, as today with Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 12, I hear something that reminds me of Wladimir, and I think fondly of him. He was a kind, thoughtful person and I was sorry to hear of his death.

I've thought of Kochanski so many times over the years, and am sad to hear of his passing.

I was very sad to learn of the passing of this great man!  I will forever remember him and the impact he had on our family.  We attended a concert in Dallas. My husband sat listening to the beautiful music with tears running down his cheeks!  Afterwards he spoke to our daughter Patricia who was a young girl at the time and told her she had a pianist's fingers and encouraged her to go on with her studies in music.  We loved him.  We bought his book "The people's pianist"...and several of his CD's...He will not be forgotten!!

I just found out today of the passing of Wladimir.  I am in shock, in tears and cannot believe this world is without this giant of a man.  I shall treasure all the special experiences of being around him and his faithful manager Marilyn.  Cherish the memories of his concerts, of being in his home, taking him gifts.  He is the one who gave us gifts all the time..gifts that only he could give: his smile, his spirit, his music, his words of love, of comfort, of joy.  I am honored that I and my family could be given the experience of what a noble son of God is.   Goodbye dear friend.  We will see you again one day in a much better place.  Thank you for the music that fed our spirits, lifted our spirits and made us better people.  You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

I, too was a friend of Wladimir's.  He was genuinely concerned about all he met. I was a member of his Foundation also.  Our charity sponsored a concert in Birmingham in the 90's and I got to know him and Marilyn a little better.  He even took some time with my son, Rich and gave him a Fatherly talk.His spirit and talents will never be forgotten in our family  Elaine Thomas Drennan

I met Wladimir in March 1980 in Missoula MT. I kept in touch with his manager Marilyn Lambson for many years.  I was involved and supported the Della Moser Pennington Foundation, for many years.
His piano Concerts, and his talents will never be forgotten. 
Mary Petersen

OBITUARY

Wladimir Jan Kochanski

5 December, 1935 – 24 March, 2015

Glen Abbey Memorial Park

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