Complimenting classical and Broadway programs, “A Night at the Opera” with Alex Prizgintas takes his audience to the Metropolitan Opera House for a wide range of vocal classics. Many staples of the opera world are featured, such as Donizetti’s “Una Furtiva Lagrima,” Verdi’s “La Donna e Mobile,” and Bizet’s “Habanera.” However, Alex also explores some related selections crossing into other genres like Showboat’s “Ol’ Man River,” The Threepenny Opera’s “Mack the Knife,” and the rock opera “Tommy.” This special program, presented by the Mamakating Historical Society, will take place at 136 Summitville Rd in Summitville, NY, on Saturday, May 2nd at 6:00 PM. Classically trained, he employs non-classical tools like distortion, delay, and the iconic “wah-wah” guitar pedals symbolic of 1960s Rock n’ Roll bands--all in conjunction with a looping station. Equally comfortable with intimate and stadium settings, Alex can craft his own wall-of-sound through his 1,000-watt amp. Accompanied by a narration that reveals some of the back stories of baroque, jazz, folk, and Rock ' n’ Roll classics, he immerses his audience in a journey through musical history.

Those familiar with Alex's work on the cello might be surprised to learn that he graduated summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree from Marist College in regional history and a graduate degree from Marist in public administration, in addition to serving as president of the Woodbury Historical Society and town historian of Woodbury in Orange County, NY. “I tend to have two audiences: those who know me as a cellist and those who know me through my lectures on topics of regional history. My bifurcated interests certainly keep me busy developing new stories to share about our Hudson River Valley as well as expanding my concert programs that strive to keep audiences engaged, enlightened, and hopefully entertained.” To learn more and see other video samples of his music and lectures, please visit alexprizgintas.com.