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

October 11, 19:00

Moscow | Zaryadye Hall

Hændel. A Dedication Ceremony to George Frideric Handel

Georg Friedrich Handel (1685–1759)

Prelude

Augelletti, ruscelletti, the aria of Maria Kleopova from the oratorio La resurrezione, HWV 47 (1708)

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

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

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

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

As with Rosy Steps the Morn, the aria of Irina from the oratorio Theodora, HWV 68 (1750)

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)

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

Eternal Source of Light Divine, fragment from the cantata Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, HWV 74 (1713)

Alla Hornpipe, No. 2 from the orchestral suite
The Water Music No. 2 in D Major, HWV 349 (1716–1717)

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

Piangerò la sorte mia, the aria of Cleopatra from the opera Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17 (1724)

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

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

Sing Ye to the Lord, chorus with solo soprano from the oratorio Israel in Egypt, HWV 54 (1739)

Performers:

artists of the Anton Rubinstein Academy
Tatiana Bikmukhametova, soprano
Yulia Vakula, mezzo-soprano
Ksenia Dorodova, soprano
Diana Nosyreva, soprano
Iveta Simonyan, soprano
Sofia Tsygankova, soprano
Andrey Nemzer, countertenor, soloist and vocal coach of the Anton Rubinstein Academy
musicAeterna Choir and Orchestra
musicAeterna Dance troupe

Music Director and Conductor Teodor Currentzis
Stage Director Elizaveta Moroz
Choirmaster Vitaly Polonsky
Assistant Conductor Evgeny Vorobyov
Production Designer, Costume Designer Sergey Illarionov
Choreographer Valentina Lutsenko

Buy Ticket

October 15, 20:30

Thessaloniki | Thessaloniki Concert Hall