Eugene Kohn

Eugene Kohn was immersed in opera from a very young age, accompanying the vocal classes of such “golden age” stars as Giovanni Martinelli and Maria Jeritza.  He became the conducting “protégée” of the Metropolitan Opera’s Fausto Cleva, and in the 1970’s began performing in public as recital accompanist to some of opera’s greatest voices: Renata Tebaldi, Giuseppe DiStefano, Franco Corelli, Maria Callas, and the young Luciano Pavarotti. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Kohn and a member of the Metropolitan Opera House Orchestra and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1983 / Eugene Kohn conducting the Metropolitan Opera House Orchestra in "La Boheme" - The Met in the Parks - Central Park."

For the last ten years Kohn has divided his time equally between symphony and opera.  He is also active as Music Director for concerts worldwide with Plácido Domingo, a collaboration of several decades well documented on DVD and recordings.  He tours as Music Director for tenor Andrea Bocelli, and has conducted as well for Brynn Terfel, Anna Netrebko, Angela Georhgiu. Next season he debuts with the Leipzig Gewandhaus in a Verdi Gala featuring Plácido Domingo.

George 'Georges' Krishizki (March 22, 1924 – December 20, 2001), Russian-Polish-American illustrator who came to the U.S. in 1949. While he earned acclaim for his renderings of the city’s architectural landmarks, it was his on-the-spot drawings of musicians in performance that attracted an especially appreciative audience. In a 1973 article published in conjunction with two simultaneous exhibitions, Georges explained the genesis of his long-running engagement with the concert hall: “I’ve always enjoyed going to concerts, and one day I decided it would be fun to combine my interests in music and art and make sketches of musicians during performances.”  Indeed, the most remarkable feature of Georges’ oeuvre, apart from the astounding range of performers who gladly expressed their approval and appreciation by signing, is the skill with which the drawings are accomplished.

This original pen and ink illustration, measuring approximately 9 x 12, on heavy-weight sketch paper, is in fine condition with some light overall toning. Its verso is blank and clean.