Tenore

Alexander Somov

In the choir since 2018

Biography
Interview

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.