Vitalij Kuprij "VK"

              Vitalij Kuprij “VK”, 49, of Shillington, passed away on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.  Born in Volodarka, Kyiv, Ukraine, he was the son of the late Mr. Kuprij and Lubov Kuprij.  He was the life partner of Vanessa Johnson; they shared 8 wonderful years together.  VK has been a musician since he was 4 years old.   He studied at Nationale Universitat Kiew-Mohyla-Akademie, Musik-Akademie der Stadt Basel, and Curtis Institute of Music.   He was a world-renowned classical pianist and composer, who also performed neo-classical, progressive rock and metal music.  VK has performed in the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and the Soviet Union.  He won first prize as the youngest person to compete in the All-Union Chopin Competition and in the Geneva Duo Competition for Violin and Piano.  Also, received gold medals in Kyiv Conservatory Competition, the Mykola Lyssenko Competition, the Piano 80 and Swiss Youth Competition, the Chicago Piano Competition, the New York Piano Competition, and the Cleveland Piano Competition.  VK was the Pianist/Keyboardist for Artension, Ring of Fire, Circle of Sanity, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  He shared his knowledge with others throughout the United States teaching master classes and workshops at colleges and universities.  When VK was not focused on his music, he could be found fishing or spending time with his fur babies that he loved with all his heart.   He was also a brilliant chess player.   VK will be remembered not only for being a Keyboard Maestro but for being a caring person who was always helping others and the man with a unique sense of humor who was the life of the party.   

               In addition to his life partner, Vanessa, VK is survived by his brother, Andrey Kuprij, of Ukraine, his nephew, Vanya Kuprij, and his fur babies, Mia, Sebastian, Lennon, and Ozzie.  He is predeceased by his parents and his beloved cat, Merlot.

               A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 10:30 am in Bean Funeral Home, 129 E. Lancaster Avenue, Shillington.  Celebrant, Amy Landis to celebrate.  The service will be live streamed at the following address, https://portal.memoryshare.com/services/view/vitalij-kuprij-8073795.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm and Wednesday, February 28, 2024, from 8:30am to 10:30am in Bean Funeral Home, Shillington.  Interment will follow the service at Berks County Memorial Gardens.  Bean Funeral Homes, Shillington is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at www.beanfuneralhomes.com.