So who am I?
I wish I had a quick and tidy answer ready, but in lieu of that, here's a summary...
I was born near Tashkent, Uzbekistan, then part of the now semi-defunct USSR, and immigrated to the United States with my family in 1991. (Then again, at that age, it would be more correct to say that my family immigrated with me. Whatever.) Growing up in Far Rockaway, NY, within 800 metres of the Atlantic Ocean, I developed a love of being outside and a penchant for nice views. (Isn't that pretty? âž”)
As a teenager, my existential angst found two outlets: runs through the Five Towns or along the Far Rockaway boardwalk, and the piano music of Beethoven, Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Exploring new piano repertoire and putting my body in motion continue to sustain me to this day, and I cherish opportunities to share these passions with others. My upcoming recitals are listed here, and you can learn more about run coaching with me here.
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Somewhere along the way, I also became fascinated with wine, enamored with its potential for discovery and its capacity to forge connections. I spent 12 years in the wine industry in New York City, my most recent engagements coming as Beverage Manager at Cafe d'Alsace, and at Centurion NY, where I was part of the opening Sommelier team. Now based in Austin, TX, I remain engaged with wine, and love to educate friends, family and enthusiastic fellow wine drinkers, either in conversation over a glass or two, or in a formal, guided setting. I have hosted private wine tastings at conferences, parents' nights and in people's homes since 2016. To learn more or to book a guided tasting, please see here.