Central Valley. Cellist with eclectic repertoire awarded grant from Orange County Arts Council

Some may best know Alex Prizgintas as an academic author and lecturer on topics of regional Hudson River Valley history, but he also is quite active, and in demand, as a cellist performing a wide repertoire of music from Baroque to contemporary.

Using his amplified cello, complete with guitar pedals, looping station, mixer and wireless mic, Prizgintas performs a show that blends music with stories that communicate and enlighten while entertaining his audience.

His work as a cellist has recently been recognized by the Orange County Arts Council with a $,1000 grant.

It’s very gratifying to know that my work is gaining support and respect,” Prizgintas said in the press release detailing the grant. ““With more than 100 bookings for this year alone — and the year is only halfway over — I am continually revising, enhancing, and enlarging the repertoire of works that I perform.”

In addition to his popular “Bach to Rock” program, musician’s menu of programs include Winter Holidays, Valentines, St. Pat’s/Spring, the British Invasion and From Bach-to-Blues-to-Jazz.

Additional new programs this fall will include Sinatra, A Night at the Opera and America; Songs of Patriotism, Praise and Protest.

Upcoming

Prizgintas has upcoming outdoor concerts for the Greenwood Lake Public Library on July 27 and the Newburgh Free Library on Aug. 3. Both will feature works from the 60s British Invasion.

You can learn more about his work at alexprizgintas.com.