Alaskan Pianist: Live Piano Music

Alexander performed for our wedding last summer. Not only was he an extremely talented musician, but he carried with him an air of dignity and professionalism that far surpassed our expectations. Within weeks of our request, he had learned an entirely new piece, which he played to perfection for the bridal entrance. His timing was precise, his rhythm flowed, and he had what most musicians lack: a pure spirit, a frenzied emotional element that is only found in true artists.

Annie and Terry Calkins
married July 25th, 2010

Alexander has performed for our guests in our home to rave reviews. He plays with style and soul, and transforms our humble piano into a concert instrument, sizzling and alive with excellence and passion. When he plays his own favorite pieces, it is a joy to watch and listen to him … his fingers fly as his music soars and hold his audience captive.

We feel privileged when he entertains us… it is as if we are at our own private concert.

Lian Tan, Eagle River

I attended a large memorial service and related celebration of life for a dear friend; Alexander provided the piano accompaniment at both functions. I cannot adequately describe how wondrous it was to look up at the mountains through the spruce and birch trees while listening to Alexander’s magnificent musical tribute to our friend...

Sheila Lankford, Anchorage

Weddings, Anniversaries,

Christmas Parties,

Business Receptions,

and any other events

I have played background music for all sorts of ceremonies and occasions (from fashion shows to graduation parties to memorials to Bar-Mitzvas) for almost twenty years. During this time, I formed my own entertainment style, and a large repertoire of a few hundreds pieces, including:

Arrangements of American, Italian, French, and Russian favorite songs and tunes, traditional and contemporary
Waltzes of all sorts: Strauss, Chopin, Tchaikovsky, etc. (of course, waltzes are not only for dancing; they make an uplifting and inspiring background music as well)
Jewish music: Instrumental Klezmer and Hassidic pieces, and Yiddish and Israelis songs
Spanish music, from tangos to songs to concert pieces
Light classical music
Improvisations and public demands

The variety of this repertoire and the sheer breadth of it (about 10 hours of music without repeating a piece) makes it possible to adapt it to any mood: from the joy of a wedding to the solemnity of a funeral, from exciting dance music to meditative classical adagios. All the pieces I play have one thing in common, though: they make for a wonderful background music, rich in melodies, and soft and non-intrusive in presentation.

One of the greatest advantages of the piano is its rich sound and "self sufficiency". Almost any other instrument sounds incomplete by itself, but a piano can provide the melody, the rhythm, the chords – the sound of a whole band for the price of just one musician! And, while I prefer to play on acoustic pianos, I don't depend on you owning or renting one: I have a good (and nice looking) digital piano that allows me to play anywhere. Still, if you would like to augment the piano sound, I can arrange for other musicians -- violinists, flutists, etc. -- to join me.

I perform mostly in the greater Anchorage area, from Wasilla to Girdwood, although I will be glad to travel further: actually, from North to South Pole (as long as you'll arrange the transportation)...

Feel free to navigate the website. To hear a small selection of my repertoire, go to Music Samples and Videos (and also to CD "Freylakhs for Two"). Different price options are detailed in Rates.

A couple of years ago my friend flutist Markus Bishko and myself recorded CD of Jewish music. You will find a few selections and a brief description on the page CD "Freylakhs for Two". My two solo CDs are described on the page CD "Songs of Exiles".

Contact me page provides -- well, contact information: an e-mail address and a telephone number. Better yet, come to visit me (and my Steinway grand) at my home, and we'll choose the right music to enhance your special day!

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