OLD TAPPAN—Alex Prizgintas is set to bring his unique “Bach to Rock” electric cello program, now known as “B-2-R,” to the Old Tappan Free Public Library on Sunday, Sept. 29, at 1:30 p.m. This performance is part of his ever-evolving series that blends classical and contemporary music, offering audiences an eclectic mix from Baroque to rock.
Under the banner “Uber Arts: Delivering Food for the Soul,” Prizgintas has expanded his program to include more than a dozen themed concerts. From “British Invasion” and “Salute to Broadway” to “Bach to Blues to Jazz” and “America: Songs of Patriotism, Protest, and Praise,” each performance brings a fresh take on the familiar.
“Some of my favorite selections include the Baroque cello suites of J.S. Bach, Latin tangos like Astor Piazzolla’s ‘Libertango,’ and opera pieces such as Donizetti’s ‘Una Furtiva Lagrima’ and Verdi’s ‘La Donna è Mobile,'” Prizgintas tells Northern Valley Press. “I enjoy the lyricism of opera, especially when contrasted with the counterpoint of jazz by masters like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, and Dave Brubeck. Then there are times when I stray toward the rebellion of the mid-to-late ’60s British Invasion with groups like Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, Procol Harum, The Kinks, and The Zombies.”
Prizgintas remains grounded in the cello’s classical roots, particularly in Bach’s Cello Suites. “B-2-R is about more than just recreating music—it’s about creating a unique retelling of what we already know, making each piece resonate anew,” he says.
With each performance, Prizgintas aims to build a deeper relationship with his audience by sharing the stories behind the music. “I have three rock selections with personal ties to Jimi Hendrix, an explanation of Bach’s Preludes to each cello suite, and insights into where Dave Brubeck found inspiration for ‘Blue Rondo à la Turk,’ just to name a few,” he says.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience Prizgintas’ dynamic blend of music and storytelling. For more information and to see video samples of his performances, visit alexprizgintas.com.