John Aler

John Aler (born October 4, 1949), American lyric tenor who performs in concerts, recitals, and operas. He is particularly known for his interpretations of the works of Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, and Handel. Original, vintage, pen and ink, "on-the-spot" illustration by George 'Georges' Krishizki. The hand drawn illustration has been signed by Aler and additionally signed, dated and titled by Krishizki: "Georges / 1980 / John Aler singing Aria Benedictus qui venit in nomine Domini from Mass in B minor by J.S. Bach."

In 1977, he made his operatic debut as Ernesto in Donizetti's Don Pasquale at the Juilliard School's American Opera Center. That same year he won first prizes for men and for the interpretation of French art song at theConcours International de Chant in Paris. He made his Santa Fe Opera debut in 1978 and his European début as Belmonte in Die Entführung aus dem Serail at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in 1979. Aler made his Covent Gardendébut in 1986 as Ferrando in Così fan tutte, returning in 1988 as Percy in Donizetti's Anna Bolena. He sang Mergy in a studio production of Le Pré aux clercs for BBC Radio 3 in 1987.

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.