Alexander Kobrin, the Russian-born pianist who took the gold at the 2005 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, will give a free recital April 13 at Har Sinai Congregation in Owings Mills. I was in Fort Worth for the finals of that competition and remember well Kobrin's potent combination of effortless virtuosity, beautifully rounded tone and thoughtful, often remarkably poetic phrasing. It's not clear yet if the 28-year-old Korbin will enjoy a long career and all the trappings of stardom (these days, it's hard to find any competition winner who does), but he certainly revealed the potential back in Texas, and it will be interesting to hear him in our fair region. His recital, made possible by the Peggy and Yale Gordon Trust, will focus on music by Beethoven and Chopin. 

The performance is at 3 p.m. April 13 at Har Sinai Congregation, 2905 Walnut Ave., Owings Mills. Tickets are free, but must be obtained in advance at Har Sinai (other ticket outlets are  Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and Temple Oheb Shalom). More info: 410-654-9393.