Note: Alexei Kuznetsov’s performance has been canceled, the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra said on Thursday. The concert will take place
Ridgewood – Ukrainian tenor Alexei Kuznetsov will emotionally open Friday’s concert of the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, when he performs the anthem of his country.
Kuznetsov after his first performance with the symphony last November at a difficult time for his country.
“It’s very hard and hard,” he said in an email interview. “They do not have the opportunity to leave because they are under occupation.”
His unlikely rise to fame as a singer with classical training came after the victory in the first season of the Ukrainian “X-Factor”. TV Talent Show 2009.
Kuznetsov precedes the performance by the orchestra of the Concerto for Viola with the Orchestra of Richard Danielpur and the Symphony № 4 in G major by Gustav Mahler. The event will take place at the West Side Presbyterian Church.
Here are the questions and answers with Kuznetsov:
Do you have a family in Ukraine? How are they? My family is in Ukraine, in the city of Makeyevka, Donetsk region. This is a big city. Almost a million people lived in it before the war and in Donetsk itself [has] more than 5 million people. We believe that Ukraine will win and I will be able to see my relatives, my family, whom I have not seen for many years.
What impresses you about America? When I first came to America in New York, I was pleasantly surprised at how energetic the city is, how many prospects and opportunities it provides. People can start a conversation with you on the street to discuss the weather or news without a personal purpose. They compliment strangers; “Do you have a very beautiful suit where you bought it? You look great! Good afternoon!” I’ve noticed that people in America are constantly smiling and never talking about their problems.
What music do you like to show your tenor voice? I like to perform the aria “Che gelida manina” from “La Bohème”, “La Donna e mobile” from “Rigoletto”, “E lucevan le stelle” from “Tosca” or “Ah! me amis, quel jour de fête! “Арыя Тоніа з” La Fille du Régiment “.
What would you like to know about this country? “Why are Americans so sympathetic?” From the first days I feel the support of people who are ready to support us from across the ocean. Always call, ask how things are, if you need something. They are good and very smart people.
Are there any aid organizations in Ukraine that we need to know about? I would like to talk about Ukraine Assistance Fund on helpukraine.lt, which since the first day of the full-scale war has been helping the Ukrainian military, civilians, children and refugee families.
I want to thank every person, family and government of America who supports the Ukrainian people in our country in every possible way. We appreciate that. We are fighting for the whole world. We are fighting for you. We need your support in any form. Glory to Ukraine!
Tickets cost $ 35 for adults, $ 25 for seniors, $ 5 for students to perform on Friday at 8pm at West Side Presbyterian Church, 6 S. Monroe, Ridgewood, at ridgewoodsymphony.org or at the door, if any. .
Marsha Stoltz is a local reporter for NorthJersey.com. To get unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: stoltz@northjersey.com
Twitter: @marsha_stoltz
