BERGEN COUNTY—Experience the holiday season through the unique sounds of Alex Prizgintas and his electric cello, as he blends jazz, rock, klezmer, and traditional styles into a festive concert program. With a repertoire featuring Christmas, Hanukkah, and seasonal favorites, the performances promise something for everyone. Highlights include The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, The First Noel, Ma’oz Tzur, and Hava Nagila.
Prizgintas will perform two shows: at the Demarest Free Public Library on Friday, Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m., and the Montvale Public Library on Saturday, Dec. 21 at noon. Attendees are encouraged to register on the respective library websites.
Equipped with a 1,000-watt amp, Prizgintas creates his own “wall of sound” while delivering an immersive performance that combines music with storytelling. “Most often, cellists play concerts. I’m a little different in that I try to give a show,” Prizgintas tells us. His narration weaves in fascinating backstories about the pieces and their composers, adding depth to the listening experience.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Prizgintas is an accomplished historian. A recent summa cum laude graduate from Marist College with both undergraduate and graduate degrees in history, he is active in leading historical societies in the Hudson Valley.
“I tend to have two audiences: those who know me as a cellist and those who know me through my lectures on regional history,” Prizgintas says. “My bifurcated interests keep me busy developing new stories to share about our Hudson River Valley and expanding my concert programs to keep audiences engaged, enlightened, and entertained.”
We last featured Prizgintas in September, in “‘Bach to Rock’ returns to Old Tappan Public Library.” To learn more about Alex Prizgintas and explore video samples of his music and lectures, visit alexprizgintas.com.