Tenors

Alexander Somov

In the choir since 2018

Alexander Somov graduated from the Asbest music college in 2008
specializing in choir conducting (O.V. Zhuiko’s class). In 2016, he graduated from the Mussorgsky Urals State Conservatory with a specialty in vocal performance (M.G. Vladimirova’s class).

In 2009–2018, Alexander Somov was a soloist at the Sverdlovsk Philharmonic choir conducted by A.A. Petrenko. His solo repertoire includes Rachmaninoff’s “All-Night Vigil”, Orff’s “Carmina Burana”, Gavrilin’s “Chimes”, Sviridov’s “Kursk Songs”, and others.

Since 2018, Alexander Somov has been a member of the musicAeterna choir.

WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU WHEN YOU GO UP ON THE STAGE?

On stage, you virtually become one with the composer through the conductor. As soon as you feel the spark, you change and get immersed into music. You give that energy away — and then, when you feel the listeners’ reaction (particularly when the whole audience goes silent in anticipation of the final chord), you get all that energy back. That is priceless.

ARE THERE ANY MUSICAL PIECES YOU COULD LISTEN TO OVER AND OVER?

I would name Schnittke’s sacred music concerto based on Grigor Narekatsi’s writings. Hearing it performed lets you experience Alfred Garrievich’s harmonies on an almost physical level, and it leaves you with extraordinarily bright “cosmic” impressions that are truly something else.

WHAT ELSE CAN GIVE YOU EMOTIONS COMPARABLE TO THOSE YOU GET FROM PERFORMING ON STAGE?

For me, the answer is love, the affectionate relationship with a loved one.

DOES LOVE HELP WHEN IT COMES TO CREATIVE WORK?

It definitely helps in my case. My wife and I are inseparable. She is the only one I can discuss every concert and every idea so frankly and so trustingly with.

HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR PERFORMANCES?

I don’t think there are any strict rules. If you love music — and you probably do, otherwise you wouldn’t be on stage — you have no need to pump yourself up: the emotions will come to you naturally while you are playing your favourite pieces.

WHAT DOES MUSICAETERNA MEAN TO YOU?

musicAeterna is a musical paradox, a troupe where everyone lives and breathes music.

musicAeterna choir events

April 26, 20:00

St. Petersburg | Nevsky, 62

Ο ῎Αγγελος ἐβόα: musicAeterna byzantina and musicAeterna Concert

Choral concert

Sold out

April 27, 20:00

St. Petersburg | Nevsky, 62

Ο ῎Αγγελος ἐβόα: musicAeterna byzantina and musicAeterna Concert

Choral concert

Sold out

May 7, 20:00

St. Petersburg | Nevsky, 62

Concert of the musicAeterna Choir. The sacred music of Poulenc and Britten

Sold out

An event of Diaghilev Festival

June 13, 20:00

Perm | House of Music (Shpagin plant)

Hændel. A Dedication Ceremony to George Frideric Handel. Opening concert of the festival

George Frideric Handel (1685–1759)

Augelletti, ruscelletti, aria of Mary Cleophas from the oratorio La Resurrezione, HWV 47 (1708)

Zadok the Priest, Coronation Anthem No. 1, HWV 258 (1727)

E pur così in un giorno – Piangerò la sorte mia, recitative and aria of Cleopatra from the opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17 (1724)

Welcome as the Dawn of Day, duet from the oratorio Solomon, HWV 67 (1749)

Disserratevi, o porte d’Averno, aria of the Angel from the oratorio The Resurrection (La Resurrezione), HWV 47 (1708)

Ah! Crudel nel pianto mio, aria of Armida from the opera Rinaldo, HWV 78 (1711)

Overture to the opera Agrippina, HWV 6 (1709–1710)

Sarabande from the Partita in G major for solo harpsichord, HWV 450 (1700–1705)

De torrente in via bibet, duet with chorus from the psalm Dixit Dominus, HWV 232 (1707)

Oh, Let the Merry Bells Ring Round, aria with chorus from the oratorio L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato, HWV 55 (1740)

Piangete sì, piangete, aria of Mary Cleophas from the oratorio La Resurrezione, HWV 47 (1708)

As With Rosy Steps the Morn, recitative and aria of Irene from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

Alla Hornpipe, No. 2 from Water Music Suite No. 2 in D major, HWV 349 (1716–1717)

Pena tiranna, aria of Dardano from the opera Amadigi di Gaula, HWV 11 (1715)

Amarti sì vorrei, aria of Agilea from the opera Teseo, HWV 9 (1713)

Fermati! / No, crudel!, duet of Armida and Rinaldo from the opera Rinaldo, HWV 78 (1711)

He Saw the Lovely Youth, chorus from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

Ah! Stigie larve — Vaghe pupille, recitative and aria of Orlando from the opera Orlando, HWV 31 (1733)

Oh Love Divine, Thou Source of Fame, chorus from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

Performers:
musicAeterna orchestra and choir
musicAeterna Dance company
artists from the Anton Rubinstein Academy

Conductor – Teodor Currentzis

An event of Diaghilev Festival

June 14, 20:00