Longtime Trans-Siberian Orchestra keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij died on Tuesday at the age of 49. The pianist's death was confirmed by the instrumental rock band on their socials, in which they paid tribute to the Ukrainian-born musician who spent more than a decade touring with the group whose extraordinary holiday shows have become the top annual Boxscore Report of the season. Christmas.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our dear friend and colleague, Vitalij Kuprij,” the TSO statement reads. “He was a world-renowned classical pianist and composer. In 2010, Vitalij joined the TSO for the inaugural 'Beethoven's Last Night' tour and became a seamlessly integral part of the band. His flawless and energetic performances have consistently captivated audiences and many of you have come to know and love him as much as we do.”
The post noted that in addition to his musical prowess, Kuprij was “an accomplished chess player, an avid fisherman and just a fun-loving soul. His absence will be deeply felt by all.” Kuprij was a member of the TSO from 2009-2019 and rejoined the group in 2021, most recently performing in November-December. 2023 tour.
His friend, Finnish guitarist/producer Lars Eric Mattsson paid tribute to Kuprij, writing: “Woke up to very sad news this morning as my dear friend and keyboard maestro Vitalij Kuprij passed away last night. The Ukrainian virtuoso lived in Philadelphia and recently toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on another highly successful tour. I have known and worked with Vitalij for over 20 years and he always said he would see me here in Finland to go fishing, which was his second love after music.”
No additional information was available at press time regarding the details or cause of Kuprij's death. According All the musicKuprij was born in 1974 in Volodarka, Ukraine and showed early promise on the piano, winning first prize at the All-Union Chopin Competition in the Republic of Kazan in the former Soviet Union and top honors at the Geneva Duo Competition for violin and piano as a youth .
He formed his first progressive metal band in 1993, Atlantis Rising, moving to the US in 1995, where the band reformed into Artension, who released a number of albums on the Shrapnel label. Kuprij released a number of solo albums and also collaborated with the groups Ring of Fire and Vivaldi Metal Project.
Progressive Rock band TSO was founded in 1996 by producer/songwriter Paul O'Neill and has been storming arenas from coast to coast for over 25 years with over-the-top productions that combine rock opera theatrics with explosive light shows. Some of their most beloved productions include 'Christmas Eve and Other Stories', 'The Christmas Attic' and 'Beethoven's Last Night'.
Check out the tributes below.
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