Profile: Focus on FutureStars performer Aleks Shameti

Pioneer’s Aleks Shameti will be performing in the upcoming FutureStars talent show on March 13. The senior, the son of Leka and Marsela Shameti, has a 3.9 GPA and his passion is playing the piano.

Tickets are available at showtix4u.com.

Aleks shares his thoughts about the upcoming FutureStars:

Have you participated in FutureStars previously?
No. I did help out as house crew last year. I got to see all of the epic performances, and I got really inspired to audition for this year.

Tell us about what you will be performing and why you selected that song?
I will be performing “Your Song,” by Elton John. I did not know the song before, but as soon as I heard it for the first time, I felt like I had known the song all my life. It’s a piano ballad about love, or more precisely, somebody you love. I have never really sang before in my life, whether that be for a competition, or a concert, or anything. Seeing everyone perform last year was a huge push for me to try and get out of my comfort zone a little, and my talented friends helped me feel proud of my voice.

What were your initial thoughts about participating in this virtual FutureStars 2021?
My initial thoughts were that it was going to be easier. I wasn’t going to really have the nerve wracking, although exciting, experience of performing in front of an audience. On the other hand, it is sad that I do not get to experience the nerve wracking experience of performing. I think that all of us, as performers, are sad that we won’t really be able to hear the crowd cheer our name, or clap along to our song, but deep down, we’re just happy that we get to perform, and get to have our voices heard.

Which artists have most inspired you?
Andrew Lloyd Webber has given me copious amounts of hope for music, specifically music as it pertains to me. The way he writes is similar to many romantic classical composers, and it is kind of similar to the music I would love to write someday, the perfect mix between classical and present-day music.

What will you always remember about your senior year of high school?
Probably how stressful it’s been. With the pandemic, college apps, school, auditions, etc. This year has been one of the most stressful years for me. Contrary to that, I will also remember all my amazing friends that have helped me through these tough times.

What are your plans for next year and beyond?
I want to be a pianist, a musician. I have a deep passion for music and hopefully I get to follow that passion for the rest of my life.

Anything else?
I hope people enjoy FutureStars as much as I enjoyed watching my peers perform their amazing songs last year.

Pioneer Theatre Guild’s FutureStars presents first-ever virtual production