We’re looking forward to our summer festival! Over the next few weeks, we’ll introduce each artist performing in our 36th season.
Husband-and-wife duo Alexey Alexandrov and Ekaterina Skliar will play on Friday, July 26.
Both masters of mandolin and domra, Alexandrov and Skliar’s duo presents a repertoire that spans the globe. Bringing together the traditions of classical music and the atmosphere of freedom from folk origins, they arrange baroque and classical masterpieces, as well as jazz and ethnic themes for their unique instrumentation.
At our concert on July 26, they will perform three pieces they’ve arranged―Charlie Parker’s Billie’s Bounce, Pee Wee King’s Tennessee Waltz, and Astor Piazzola’s Escualo―an eclectic, lively showcase of their extraordinary artistry both individually and as a duo.
Get to know Ekaterina!
Q. How do you handle nerves before performing?
A. For me, the best solution is to be as prepared as possible and have a detailed “game plan” for each piece. This way, my mind will be busy with all the specific tasks to do, which leaves less room for being nervous.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
Traveling to Machu Picchu and Norway, and doing a multi-day bike trip somewhere in the U.S. this summer, ideally somewhere along the shore like Cape Cod or Florida Keys.
What do you always bring with you when you travel?
Weather-proof clothing and a book.
What are the top three songs on your personal playlist?
Coldplay’s “Viva La Vida”
Fujii Kaze’s “Seishun Sick
BTS’s “Permission to Dance”
Favorite quote:
“The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.”―Terry Pratchett
What is a little known fact about you?
I grew up in a village, so I know how to take care of farm animals.
Best advice you have ever received:
Don’t forget to have fun and be open-minded when performing; the music should be about expressing emotions and not just playing the right notes.
What’s your favorite type of food?
Korean food and sushi. And French pastries.
What piece of music never fails to move you?
The 2nd movement of Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No 2. It is so simple and painfully beautiful, I get goosebumps every time I hear it.
Get to know Alexey!
Q. How do you handle nerves before performing?
A. For me, the best solution is to submerge and dissolve into pulsation and rhythm before I even play the first note of a piece.
What’s at the top of your bucket list?
To learn freefly elements/techniques.
What do you always bring with you when you travel?
Camera, earplugs, and headphones.
What are the top three songs on your personal playlist?
Jamiroquai’s “Seven Days In Sunny June”
Mike Stern’s “Bird Blue”
Michel Petrucciani’s “September Second” (from Trio in Tokyo)
Favorite quote:
“Where words leave off, music begins.” – Heinrich Heine
What is a little-known fact about you?
I am into wood carving and gave up clarinet at the age of 8.
Best advice you have ever received:
To play with more advanced musicians/performers than yourself.
What’s your favorite type of food?
Russian traditional, Sushi, Uzbek, and Mexican.
What piece of music never fails to move you?
Shostakovich Violin Concerto No. 1 – Cadenza and Finale.
