Vladimir Jablokov - Oriel Centre, Dundalk Gaol 11th June 2022

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Vladimir Jablokov is used to playing large venues such as National Concert Hall, 3Arena and BBC Proms Belfast, which is why it was such a rare treat to have the Slovakian violinist grace the stage at the intimate Oriel Centre. Vladimir shared the stage with Russian pianist Inna Firsova who studied piano in Ukraine and Germany. The two, dressed impeccably for the occasion descended the stairs ready to delight the eager audience. 

Vladimir, who is currently touring Vivaldi's Four Seasons began with "1st Movement From Spring" followed by "2nd Movement Winter". They they moved on to Mazart's "March a la Turka" and Brahm's "Hungarian Dance No.5" before completing this segment of the show with "Meditations" by Massenet. Next the audience were treated to a sublime piano solo from Inna which captivated everybody in the venue.

Between songs, Vladimir regaled with stories from his childhood growing up with violinist parents and touring the world before getting sick of it all on a tour of Japan aged just 12. He wanted to give up the violin and later discovered rap music and decided to get away from it all by moving to Dublin. It was on Grafton Street that he began busking in order to earn some money and his love of the villain was rekindled.

Next was the haunting "Theme from Schindler's List" by John Williams. Gardel's "Por una Cabeza" and "Libertango" had the crowd dancing in their seats before Vejvoda's "Rosamunde (Beer Barrel Polka)" had them singing along joyfully. Lehar's "Merry Widow Waltz", Jarre's "Somewhere My Love" from Dr. Zchivago and Bock's "If I Were A Rich Man" from Fiddler On The Roof rounded out the evening. 

Vladimir and Inna received a thoroughly deserved standing ovation with the audience crying out for more. Everybody left the building safe in the knowledge that they had just witnessed two world class musicians at the top of their game doing what they truly love to do. Their professionalism shone through and was evident by their comfortableness on stage and ability to have fun whilst still offering a masterclass in classical music. This night will not be quickly forgotten.



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