Alan Oresky

• Alan Oresky - violin, fiddle, mandolin

I have free-lanced in the Baltimore-Washington area for forty two years. I play just about all styles, including light classical, traditional/international folk (Jewish & Klezmer a specialty,) bluegrass, Irish, swing and jazz. I lead a jazz and swing instrumental trio. In addition to my solo work, I can book groups of two to seven, including a vocalist or ethnic dance teacher. For wedding ceremonies, I play violin or mandolin with optional guitar, cello or piano accompaniment. At the present time I am NOT leading string ensembles larger than a trio(e.g., string quartets.) When I am not leading small groups or soloing, I can frequently be found playing as a sideman in bluegrass groups and even a Gypsy jazz group. The audio clips included on this member profile page are of my light classical solo playing in addition to selected tracks (as indicated by an *) from my self-produced CD originally released in 1994: "A Dream of Peace." I just added a track I composed for the Fabrangen Fiddlers' album "American Chai," originally released in 1978, and now finally available on CD. It is "Avrum's Nigun" (Abram's tune) and is a good sample of the ethnic dance material I still perform.

• SELECTED WEDDING REPERTOIRE - Alan Oresky, violin (& mandolin)
• Air (on the G String) - Johann Sebastian Bach
• Air from "The Water Music" - G. F. Handel
• Allegro (Autumn) from "The Four Seasons" - A. Vivaldi
• Allegro (Spring) from "The Four Seasons" - A. Vivaldi
• Andante from "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
• Arioso - J. S. Bach
• Ashokan Farewell - Jay Ungar
• Ave Maria - Franz Schubert
• Be Thou My Vision - Trad. Irish Ballad
• Bist Du Bei Mir (see audio clip) - J. S. Bach
• Bourree from "The Water Music" (see video clip) - G. F. Handel
• Bourree in G - J. S. Bach
• Canon in D (see video clip) - Johann Pachelbel
• Choson Kalle Mazel Tov - Trad. Chassidic
• Clair De Lune - Claude Debussy
• Der Heyser Bulgar - Klezmer/E. European
• Dodi Li - Israeli
• Entrance of the Queen of Sheba - G. F. Handel
• Erev Shel Shoshanim - Israeli
• Gavotte - Padre Martini
• Gavotte I from "Cello Sonata" - J. S. Bach
• Gavotte in G minor - J. S. Bach
• Gavottes I and II in D - J. S. Bach
• Hava Nagila - Trad. Chassidic
• Hornpipe in D from "The Water Music" - G. F. Handel
• Hornpipe in F from "The Water Music" (see audio clip) - G. F. Handel
• Humoresque - Antonin Dvorak
• Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring - J. S. Bach
• La Rejouissance from "The Royal Fireworks" - George Frederick Handel
• Largo from "The Four Seasons" (see video clip) - Antonio Vivaldi
• Meditation from "Thais" - Jules Massenet
• Minuet in G - J. S. Bach
• Miscellaneous Irish Baroque Tunes - Turlough O'Carolan
• Miscellaneous Sephardic Songs - Traditional Mediterranean
• Morning Has Broken - Traditional
• Od Yishoma (several settings) - Trad. Chassidic
• Ode to Joy - Ludwig van Beethoven
• Prelude from "Te Deum" - Marc-Antoine Charpentier
• Romanian Hora & Bulgar - Klezmer
• Rondeau - Jean Joseph Mouret
• Serenade from "String Quartet, Op. 3, #5" - Franz Joseph Haydn
• Sheep May Safely Graze - J. S. Bach
• Simon Tov & Mazel Tov - Trad. Chassidic
• The Minstrel Boy - Trad. Irish Ballad
• The Water Is Wide - Trad. Irish Ballad
• Trumpet Tune (see audio clip) - Henry Purcell
• Trumpet Voluntary - Jeremiah Clarke
• Wachet Auf - J. S. Bach
• Wedding March (processional) - Richard Wagner
• Wedding March (recessional) - Felix Mendelssohn
• PHOTO CREDITS:
• Header Photo - Lloyd Wolf
• Lead photo on press kit - Lory Werths
• Photo #1 - Frank Sparber
• Photo #2 - Seymour Oresky
• Photo #s 3-4, 9, & #s 11, 13 & 15 - Lloyd Wolf
• Photo #5 - Lory Werths
• Photo #14 - Shelly Bobruska
• Photos #18-19 - Sara Kushner
• Photo #20 - Tonya Williams-Walker
• Photos #21 - Jaime Windon
• Photo # 22 - Carroll Brown
• All Video Clips are courtesy of - Carroll Brown / EyeMaster

Anniversaries, Banquets, Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs, Birthday Parties, Celebrations, Christenings, Christmas Parties, Church Services, Clubs, Coffee Shops, Community Events, Conventions, Corporate Functions, Country Clubs, Cruise Ships, Dinner Dances, Festivals, Fund Raisers, Funerals, Graduation Parties, Grand Openings, Hotels, Jingles, Movie Soundtracks, Picnic, Private Parties, Resorts, Restaurants, Reunions, Showers, Studio Session, Temples, TV Soundtracks, Weddings...and more.

• Great fun, VERY rapid turnaround. Very pleased to have Alan play for my engagement!!! -- Judson W, Annapolis, MD, 1/26/2012
• Mr. Oresky is a phenomenal performer, he was excellent and many of my guest commented on well of a job he did. I too expressed my pleasure to Mr. Oresky. We thank you Alan!! -- Donte F, Edgewater, MD, 10/14/2011
• Alan Oresky's presence was the perfect accompaniment to our dinner party. He was very engaging with our guests, took requests, and provided first-rate music on both violin and mandolin. He very accommodating with our schedule and music preferences, responding on two-days notice. Obviously, we were very pleased with the whole experience provided by Mr Oresky. -- Aj H, Vienna, VA, 1/14/2012
• He was very professional, arrived on time, dressed appropriately, was friendly, entertained requests from our guests and made sure we all enjoyed it. Thanks it was a good selection come to think of it. Thanks Alan. -- Naveena H, Olney, MD, 10/30/2011
• We highly recommend Alan as a performer for any event. He performed wonderfully at our event, entertaining guests between songs as well. He arrived early and set up, was ready and willing as weather changed some of the plans, and was very accommodating to all requests. We also included him on a carriage ride through downtown Leesburg - which turned heads and entertained the public. Alan was a great addition to our special day. Lori and Randy ... -- Randy B, Leesburg, VA, 9/17/2011
• We had Allan play at our ceremony with an additional cello player, and it was absolutely perfect! Everybody loved the music! Allan was very professional from beginning to end, showed up on time and accommodated our requests easily. Would absolutely recommend to anyone! -- Muriel M, Towson, MD, 9/18/2011
• We highly recommend Alan to anyone looking for a violinist for their wedding! Incredibly responsive to questions we had in the lead-up to the big day, Alan was very professional. He also played at our cocktail reception where he was an especially big hit. We had countless guests tell us how much they loved his performance. He was the icing on the cake of a beautiful day. And to anyone trying to decide between a band, DJ, or solo musician for their wedding - go with Alan! Not only is he easy to work with and charges a very reasonable rate but I think his performance added an intimate and romantic touch that you might not always get with a DJ or band. Thank you! -- Katie W, Alexandria, VA, 9/4/2011
• Alan is an extremely talented musician who put the icing on the cake of my ceremony. He arrived on time (a little early actually), consulted me if he had any questions, and he was very professional and personable. Alan plays a wide range of music, and was able to make my husband happy by playing "Devil Went Down to Georgia." I would highly recommend Alan to play for any occasion... he was fantastic! -- Kim R, Havre De Grace, MD, 7/3/2011
• Hi, Alan was accommodating, talented, and did all that we asked. We were very specific and thorough in our requests and he met them all. He added so much to our wedding, and everyone enjoyed his music, along with Lon Ephraim, his partner. -- Tena N, Mclean, VA, 6/19/2011
• Alan was easy to work with, and we were very pleased with the music he played. We would recommend him to anyone else who wants to hire a musician for an event. -- David C, Ellicott City, MD, 4/28/2011
• Alan was a pleasure to work with. My project already sounds better with his talent on it. I would recommend him to anyone in need of a professional and master of their craft. I plan on booking him again in the near future. -- James V, Baltimore, MD, 4/1/2011
• We booked Alan for my father's 80th birthday party. He came early setup and did an awesome job accommodating requests and providing entertainment. I would definitely book Alan again. He also has a bluegrass band we may book for a summer party. -- Paul G, Ashburn, VA, 11/23/2010
• I cannot begin to thank you enough for the beautiful performance at our wedding. I lost track of how many guests we had that stopped us to mention how much they enjoyed your performance. I also wanted to especially thank you for the beautiful rendition of Ave Maria as I walked down the isle towards Mike. It was perfect! You were so accommodating, easy to work with, professional, and not to mention talented that Mike and I would most definately book you in the future again. Thank you again Alan, it was a pleasure! -- Lori P, Alexandria, VA, 10/1/2010
• Alan played fiddle for me on a studio session of my original material and I could not be more happy with his interpretation of my songs and ability to jump in and improvise parts after hearing the tracks just a few times. His technical skill and ear for the feel of the songs were outstanding. He clearly knew his way around a studio and was very excited to be involved in the creative process. I would recommend him to any songwriter as a session fiddle player. My record is definitely better because of his talent! -Brad Sanzenbacher www.bradsanzmusic.com -- Brad S, Silver Spring, MD, 10/16/2010
• Alan was fantastic! He was extremely talented and friendly. He really made our wedding wonderful and we highly recommend him. Thanks so much Alan!!! -- Braedyn W, Wheaton, MD, 9/24/2010
• Alan was great. He was so professional and patient. Our event unfortunately started later than we planned and Alan worked with us and he was so patient. He played lovely music that was perfect for our event. Everyone loved listening to him and commented how kind and talented he was. I would definitely use Alan again as well as many of our guest wanted to know how to book him. -- Anika G, Silver Spring, MD, 9/11/2010
• Alan was excellent. He is extremely versitile and has a great way about him. I would hire Alan back in a second. I found Allan on this website, was a bit uneasy because it can be quite impersonal. I was so pleastly surprised when I met him and heard him Alan is great. - Ted -- Ted E, Baltimore, MD, 5/22/2010
• Thank you Alan for making our ceremony a beautiful acoustic experience for us and all our family and friends. Alexandra & Arjan -- Arjan H, Alexandria, VA, 5/14/2010
• Alan performed during my wedding ceremony and reception. I consider myself to be extremely lucky that was I able to find such a talented musician. He was extremely accomodating (moved indoors the last minute), professional and talented. Alan arrived early as was able to set up his equipment in both locations and set the tone for an amazing evening. I applaud his ability to choose musical selections that are appropriate for the guest and atmosphere. I have nothing but praise for him and there were nothing but good remarks from our guests. I have already recommended him for a friends wedding later this year. BRAVO -- Candice J, Ellicott City, MD, 4/17/2010
• Alan Oresky was a wonderful addition to our Saint Patrick's Day party. He plays beautifully and seems never to run out of energy. His music was entertaining, fun, and absolutely perfect for our venue!! We highly recommend Alan, our guests loved every minute. Thanks Alan! -- Maureen R, Ellicott City, MD, 3/20/2010
• Our St. Patrick's Day party was a great success thanks to Alan and his lively fiddle and spirited mandolin. He provided the perfect balance of appropriate background as well toe-tapping Irish music. He had both Grandmas and toddlers spontaneously dancing jigs! Very highly recommended! Many thanks! - Kate Ryan & Associates -- Pete F, Mclean, VA, 3/12/2010
• Alan played at our daughter's Bat Mitzvah, and this past weekend Alan played at her wedding. We couldn't have been happier. Participants, guests, and other vendors all remarked about Alan's musicality, his ability to match the mood (and the key), and to help elevate a special event to a truly memorable event. -- Morris T, Washington, DC, 1/10/2010
• Thank you for the beautiful music and a great evening! -- Amy H, Pikesville, MD, 10/31/2009
• The music was amazing! It really set the tone for the wedding ceremony and the cocktail hour. -- Cheryl L, Baltimore, MD, 10/4/2009
• His music was beautiful and enjoyed by all. I would definitely recommend him to friends. -- Janeane M, Beallsville, MD, 9/7/2009
• Alan was wonderful! Not only was his music beautiful, but he was very accomadating to my last minute requests. I would recommend him to anyone! As a solo violinist, his music made a big impact on our wedding ceremony and he sounded wonderful! -- Mary U, Baltimore, MD, 5/9/2009
• Alan was awesome. His professionalism, personal touch and all over experience was exceptional. He truly added to the intimacy and all over warmth that was captured during my wedding. We were glad that we were able to find such a talented musician on the Gigmaster website. Thanks to Alan Oresky for making our wedding truly a perfect and love filled occassion. -- Tracey M, Saint Michaels, MD, 4/22/2009
• Alan was a wonderful addition to our wedding ceremony. He was very accommodating and played our special requests (including "Girl From Ipanema"). His suggestions and song selection were great and made all the guests feel welcome (especially with Japanese songs). The music he played created the perfect atmosphere for our wedding. Thanks! -- Nara S, Washington, DC, 4/4/2009
• He did a wonderful job, and we were delighted to have him perform for us! -- Gwynn S, Catonsville, MD, 3/28/2009
• Alan was very easy to work with and flexible. The guests and staff thoroughly enjoyed his performance. Made for a great addition to St. Patrick's Day in our atrium lounge. -- Tammy H, Washington, DC, 3/17/2009
• Alan was absolutley Terrific. Having him there and performing was everything I imagined it would be. We recieved numerous customer praises specifically for him. Alan was very talented and professional and would highly recomend him to others and I would go back to him for future events. THANK YOU ALAN!!! -- Patrick S, Bethesda, MD, 2/13/2009
• It was a great pleasure to meet and work with Alan Oresky. We won Gold in all our divisions, he was a great accompany to our performance. Thank you very much! -- Jodi H, Manassas, VA, 1/18/2009
• Our party went from "fine" to "fantastic" thanks to Mr. Oresky. He arrived early, set up smoothly, and played generous sets. All guests - from adults to small children - were delighted by his music and his willingness to talk about his instruments and play special requests. He brought not only his fiddle, but also a beautiful mandolin. We hope he can play for us again next year! -- Joan P, Washington, DC, 12/13/2008
• Alan did an excellent job in performing for our Irish wedding. Our guests were very impressed! -- Jeannie L, Charlestown, MD, 10/18/2008
• Alan was wonderful! I'd definitely recommend him to anyone and the guests loved him. -- Melinda C, Washington, DC, 6/21/2008
• Mr. Oresky's performances were an ideal enhancement to our wedding and reception. We also found him timely, well-prepared, and pleasant to work with. Our guests all agreed that his violin performances helped give our event an especially warm and elegant feel, both indoors and outdoors in a garden setting. -- Gwen H, Silver Spring, MD, 5/24/2008
• What a great guy! Alan helped make our reception special and memorable. At the end, a crowd gathered around Alan as they were mesmerized. Heck, I ended up extending him for another two hours and our guests would probably have enjoyed hearing him play all night. Thanks Alan for being so accommodating. -- Mark P, Bethesda, MD, 2/16/2008
• Alan arrived in plenty of time to set up for the party and test out his equipment. The music was wonderful and added a special cachet to my holiday party. His selection of music was wonderful and he handled special requests with ease. Thank you Alan. -- Kathleen W, Arlington, VA, 12/8/2007
• Wonderful music! Very friendly - everyone loved him!! -- Robin M, Fallston, MD, 10/20/2007
• Alan's performance at our wedding was exceptional, lovely and enchanting (I could go on and on). Everyone at our reception had a wonderful time. He performed exactly what we requested and was very accommodating. We will definitely request his services again. -- Michelle B, Silver Spring, MD, 10/6/2007
• Alan provided just the right mix of background music for our corporate reception and dinner. His music was well received and appreciated by all the attendees. He proves that one person can successfully provide wonderful entertainment. -- Chris K, Cambridge, MD, 9/29/2007
• Alan was a absolute professional. He added a wonderful touch to our ceremony and he is a very talented musician. -- Abby G, Elkridge, MD, 9/15/2007
• Alan did a fantastic job on our wedding day! Not only did he arrive early and begin playing he continued to play beyond the 2 hrs that was scheduled. Alan played various types of music and had no problem accommodating requests. We loved the Irish music he played being that the majority of our family members are Irish. I would highly recommend Alan to anyone looking for a professional,talented and entertaining Violinist & Mandolin player. Thanks Alan! -- Robert O, Leesburg, VA, 9/1/2007
• We were very pleased with Alan Oresky's performance and professionalism at our wedding. Music is such an important part of a wedding and I'm so glad that Alan's music was part of ours! I would definitely recommend him to others to add to their special day. -- Amy M, Stafford, VA, 7/28/2007
• Alan performed for my July 7, 2007 wedding reception and was exceptional in every regard. He even went above and beyond to find a rather obscure composition that my husband particularly wanted to hear. A number of guests remarked to me that they were impressed with Alan's performance. He set the perfect tone and ambiance for the event. I highly recommend him! Emily K. Bibby Mitchell -- Emily B, Millersville, MD, 7/7/2007
• Alan Oresky played the violin at our engagement on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. It was a very special day, and he added the perfect touch. Alan was willing to take requests and could play anything by memory. He is extremely talented and attracted quite a crowd. Alan was very willing to accomodate our requests. He showed up early and was ready to perform. Now Alan is 2 for 2 on engagements; she said yes! We highly recommend him. -- Justin C, Washington, DC, 6/29/2007
• Terrific performer. Was at our event early, and was setup and ready to go when needed. Played the exact music we wanted and was a wonderful performer to hire. Would recommend to anyone. -- Daniel E, Leonardtown, MD, 6/10/2007
• I was estremely pleased by Alan professionalism and accomdating to fit the situation. He provided me with one less thing to worry about. -- Kimberly R, Hollywood, MD, 6/9/2007
• Alan was very friendly and professional. He showed up earlier than expected to set up. We were very happy to have Alan played at our event. He was able to accomodate all our needs even though we contacted him in such short notice. -- Teresa V, Wheaton, MD, 5/26/2007
• Alan was superb. We spoke several times before the event to plan exactly what I wanted. He arrived early and was set up in plenty of time to surprise my wife. He played beautifully and took all of our requests. He has a wide repertoire from classical to pop to jazz. He was perfect for our intimate evening. -- Randall S, Washington, DC, 3/27/2007
• Alan was great to work with throughout the wedding ceremony - He came early and played suggested selections for us to pick before the wedding and was very accomodating. We would highly recommend to any and hope to use him again in the future. Joe Roberts -- event wedding at The Belmont Mansion 9/30/06. -- Joe R, Elkridge, MD, 9/30/2006
• Our wedding and cocktail reception would not have been the same without Alan and his superb fiddling! He was an important part of the celebration, and even wore a shirt that had a colonial look to it, to match the venue and our event, which involved kilts and bagpipes and festive yet relaxed merrymaking in the outdoor courtyard at historic Gadsby's Tavern Restaurant in Old Town, Alexandria. At one point, one of our friends commented, "The fiddler is so good - I wonder whether he could do Charlie Daniels' 'The Devil Went Down to Georgia'?" I asked Alan, and he pulled it off as easy as pie! It was great! I would highly recommend Alan to anyone looking for a talented, friendly, professional musician to add something special and memorable to their event. -- Kimberly C, Alexandria, VA, 6/17/2006
• 1. Many of our guests went over to compliment Alan Oresky on his excellent performance. Our guests also told us how great the music was. 2. He exhibited tremendous versatility and technical ability. 3. Great musicianship and professionalism (on time, easy to work with, set up equipment quickly, responsive to requests). 4. They were able to accompany singers in the guest party on the spot. 5. All in all without Oresky's music our celebration could have hit a sour note. 6. We would readily recommend Alan Oresky for an important event. -- Nora & Barry B, Alexandria, VA, 1/1/2006
• The clients really enjoyed him and he's a great person. -- Avis S, Elkridge, MD, 12/21/2005
• Mr. Alan Oresky was hired by my organization to perform classical violin music at a reception. He was very professional and was well prepared. He arrived early to conduct a sound check and stayed until all guests had left. Many people commented on his playing abilities. I would strongly recommend Mr. Oresky's services to other groups looking for someone to play the violin. -- Imani P, Washington, DC, 11/1/2005
• Alan was terrific. Accomodated all of our requests on short notice. Would definitely reccommend to others! -- Pete S, Mclean, VA, 10/15/2005
• Excellent- on time, properly dressed, solid performer, fun & versatile will definitely use again. -- Hugh G, Saint Michaels, MD, 6/30/2007
• Alan was very timely, professional and the music he provided was beautiful. Thank you Alan! -- Terry F, Adelphi, MD, 12/12/2007

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