On an icy day in February, New Haven woodworker Sergei Gerasimenko delivered a special commission to Yale’s Woosley Hall. The commission was a stool built for William Boughton, the long-time conductor of the Yale Symphony Orchestra. The commission was outside of the work that Sergei usually took on, but he wasn’t about to pass up the opportunity to make a piece for Boughton, who he had known and admired for decades.
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Expecting to drop off the stool and head home, Sergei was asked to stay for the concert. Much to his surprise, Maestro Boughton started the concert by pointing out the stool Sergei made and asking him to stand for a round of applause—sadly something few woodworkers have had the pleasure of experiencing. In the audience was yours truly—your ever dutiful podcast host—and I was so touched by the moment I knew I needed to meet Sergei and find out more of the backstory. As ever, there is always so much more to the story and we’re happy to help Sergei tell it.
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About Sergei Gerasimenko:
Originally from Belarus, Sergei Gerasimenko studied Technical Design and Production at the Moscow Art Theater School. In 1991, he moved to the United States and spent time building sets for Smith College, Yale School of Drama, Yale Repertory Theater, and other theater shops. Eventually, he turned his skills to remodeling, finish carpentry, and custom cabinet work.
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