America: Songs of Patriotism, Praise, and Protest: A Cello Show with Alex Prizgintas

America’s democracy is based upon the freedoms of speech and religion as part of its cornerstone. This program presents songs of Patriotism, Praise, and Protest as part of the vital fabric that weaves our differences into our distinct strength. Key hymns, noble anthems of patriotism, and tunes of solidarity as well as resistance make this a worthy program celebrating our union. This unique sound, provided by Alex Prizgintas and his amplified cello, will be shown on Saturday, August 15th at 2:30 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 in regional history from Marist College and a graduate degree in public administration from Marist 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.