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Vitalij Kuprij, Trans-Siberian Orchestra keyboardist, dies aged 49
Ukrainian-American virtuoso keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij, who played with progressive metal bands Artension and Ring of Fire and toured with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has died at the age of 49. No cause of death has been announced.
The Ukrainian-American maestro was living in Philadelphia at the time of his death and had just completed a tour with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra in December, which saw the group perform many of its Christmas favourites across the United States.
Kuprij’s death was confirmed by his long-time friend, Finnish guitarist, songwriter and producer Lars Eric Mattsson, who wrote on his Facebook page: “Woke up to really sad news this morning as my dear friend and keyboard maestro Vitalij Kuprij has passed away last night. The Ukranian-born virtuoso was living in Philadelphia and recently came off another hugely successful tour with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.”