Author, historian, and musician Alex Prizgintas of Orange County has made a career of blending harmonies with the rich histories of composers and songwriters from decades past, in addition to pushing the classical cello into realms that are unique and unexpected.  The Poughkeepsie Journal recently wrote that Alex’s work both “inspires and amazes,” while the Times Herald-Record states that “he pushes the limits.”  They also wrote that he “brings his knowledge and interest of history and music together.”

According to Alex, “Most often, cellists play concerts.  I’m a little different in that I try to give a show.”  Alex works to give a “show” that offers more give-and-take with the audience while delivering bits of information revealing some of the background behind the melodies and the melody makers.  "Some of my favorite selections in the Bach to Rock program include the Baroque cello suites of J.S. Bach, Latin tangos such as Astor Piazzolla's "Libertango," and opera selections like Donizetti's "Una Furtiva Lagrima" and Verdi's "La Donna Mobile" says Alex.  "I enjoy the lyricism of opera especially when contrasted by the counterpoint of jazz by masters like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie and Dave Brubeck.  And then, there are times where I stray towards the rebellion of the mid-to-late 60's British Invasion with groups like Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Procol Harum, The Kinks, and The Zombies—to name just a few."

With each performance, Alex strives to communicate--not only with the cello but with the back-stories that reveal interesting facts about each selection.  "I have three rock selections with personal ties to Jimi Hendrix, an explanation about Bach's Preludes to each cello suite and where Dave Brubeck found inspiration for 'Blue Rondo a la Turk,' just to name a few.  Along with the tunes, my goal is to build a better understanding and a deeper relationship with my audiences."

This program was made possible through a generous grant from Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley.