As part of our Classicalite Weekender series, we introduced you to teen sibling cello sensations Emil, 16 and Dariel, 14, Liakhovetski as they ripped through Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” on America’s Got Talent.
The darling boys are back on another episode of AGT performing the timeless “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney. Almost as though part of the Beatles themselves, the Liakhovetski powerhouse gave a fascinating rendition of the tune to a matching stage presence.
Their instructor is none other than their 77 year-old grandfather, Leonid Rubanchik, who immigrated to Queens from the Soviet Union about 40 years ago with a broken cello.
“It’s been a big dream to see my boys play on stage,” said Rubanchik. “Sometimes when they’re playing I cry because my heart is being broken.”
Rubanchik settled in Astoria in 1977, taking up odd jobs as a waiter and a janitor to fund his passion of the cello. Eventually, Rubanchik played for eight years as the principal cellist in a Venezuelan orchestra.
“I teach them classical music because I’m a classical cellist,” said Rubanchik. “I tell you the truth, how they play this kind of music, I cannot play,” he continued.
Living in Florida with their mother and grandfather, the Liakhovetski brothers are among 12 other finalists competing for the $1 million first prize. This week, they have a chance at being the last six.
Watch below their stellar performance of “Live and Let Die.”
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