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Classically trained Piano Soloist Specializing in popular music
Repertoire includes everything from Gershwin, Cole Porter and Jerome Kern to the more modern composers of the day such as Michel Legrand, Marvin Hamlisch, John Williams and David Foster • Is capable of performing something for every taste in every style • Is known for his musical arrangements and ability to perform from memory with a heavy dose of improvisation • Is an experienced soloist but also performs with fully orchestrated tracks, with his band, or in large-scale production shows.
A child prodigy, Aleksander Courtney began his musical career in his grandmother's parlor at the age of two. At age six, he began formal piano training in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. When he was twelve, he began playing for church services, weddings, funerals and private functions. These early performances led to his first television appearance at the age of fourteen. He continued his formal music education in Florida, accompanied his high school chorus, and took first place honors at the 1980 American Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee. While living in Lake City, Florida, at the age of sixteen, Aleksander produced his first concert in Tyson Auditorium—thereby making his own professional debut. After completing high school, he moved to Washington, DC and accepted his first long-term engagement at The Watergate Hotel. While living in the Washington area, he performed for numerous celebrities, politicians, foreign embassies, and at the official residence of the Vice-President of the United States. He was interviewed and performed on This Week in Washington for the Voice of America radio broadcast to the former Soviet Union and served as musical director for the hit cabaret show, Straight Up With A Twist. After spending a few years on the hotel circuit in Washington, he accepted a contract in Denmark with Scandinavian Seaways. After performing on numerous cruise ships, he met Bent Fabricius-Bjerre—businessperson and composer of the song Alley Cat—who asked him to perform at his entertainment complex, SCALA, in Copenhagen. Aleksander spent several years there, during which time he studied improvisation at the Royal Danish Conservatory of Music, performed at the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, served as rehearsal pianist for the Royal Danish Ballet, house pianist for the American Embassy and appeared numerous times on Danish radio and television. While in Copenhagen, he was introduced and invited to perform for Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II and the Danish Royal Family as well as His Majesty King Carl Gustaf and Queen Sylvia of Sweden. He also had the privilege of performing for numerous members of Europe's royal families and heads of state, members of parliament, prime ministers and various other politicians. Aleksander now divides his time between the Virginia countryside and the California desert. He continues to entertain and enthrall audiences internationally with his stage persona and musical capabilities.
Professional Engagements
DFDS Scandinavian Seaways (Copenhagen/Oslo) Sheraton Premiere Hotel (Tyson's Corner, VA) Indian Ridge Country Club (Palm Desert, CA) Statendam &Ryndam (Holland America Line) Washington Marriott Hotel (Washington, DC) The Ritz-Carlton Hotel (Rancho Mirage, CA) Sheraton Crystal City Hotel (Arlington, VA) Norwegian Crown (Norwegian Cruise Line) Embassy Suites Hotel (Tyson's Corner, VA) Færgen Sjælland (Copenhagen, Denmark) Spencer’s Restaurant (Palm Springs, CA) Pride of Hawaii (Norwegian Cruise Line) Marquis Resort Hotel (Palm Springs, CA) Casino Marienlyst (Helsingør, Denmark) The Watergate Hotel (Washington, DC) Pacific Jewel (P&O Cruises Australia) Hotel 3 Falke (Copenhagen, Denmark) The St. Regis Hotel (Washington, DC) Henley Park Hotel (Washington, DC) The Westin Hotel (Washington, DC) The Prime Rib (Washington, DC) SCALA (Copenhagen, Denmark)
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