Vladimir Jablokov

Facts

Born as third child in a family of six childrens.
Started playing violin at the age of five.
Is the fourth generation of his family to make music his career.
Since 1995 he has performed regularly on concert stages in Slovakia, Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Germany, Ireland, Italy.
Took a one year break from music but got back on track soon
Formed The Slovak Dulcimer Ensemble at the age of nineteen in 2004.
In 2005 he recorded a CD called Eastern Twilight with the Slovak Dulcimer Ensemble.
In 2006 after the success of his first CD he recorded Eastern Twilight II with the Slovak Dulcimer Ensemble.
In 2006 he formed Slovak Festival Orchestra.
He performed on the Slovak stages and recorded CD called The First National Tour in 2007.
His events in Ireland include The National Concert Hall, RDS Concert Hall, Gaiety Theatre, The Mansion House, The K-Club, Leinster House and by the special request of President Mary McAleese he performed in Aras an Uachtarain.
His style is unusual as he performs classical music in a way that appeals to all ages and can be appreciated by audiences nationwide.
Had a 15 minute standing ovation while performing with Celine Byrne in National Concert Hall in Dublin in January 2008.

Orchestra

orchestra

The Talent is back

A rebel who was asked to play in front of a our president. A boy from Grafton Street who nearly quit music and then conquered The National Concert Hall. And after his january concert with Celine Byrne, the Maria Callas contest winner, Vladimir Jablokov is about to conquer the most famous hall in Ireland again.

It's been a long way from a humble slovak surroundings to the biggest stage in Ireland. Like Bono did it many years ago, Vladimir Jablokov now follows his road. Started in Grafton Street and then made it big. "I've been a really bad child", he starts with a cheeky smile.

He is talking about his growings with four brothers and his sister in Slovakia. Definitely not a good neighbour to be around. "Yeah. Music was everywhere. People were going mad, because it was 24/7. There was not a single moment when none of us was playing" he describes his all-day long practising with seven other musicians at home.

And then there was his complicated personality.

Driving cars at a very young age, risking his life as often as possible. "I just didn't have driving licence and needed to be on time", he laughs. He is talking about his infamous incident where he was spotted by police "They didn't catch me anyway. But it helped me to realize what i was doing."

The breakthrough

Led by his father who is a violin professor he formed The Slovak Dulcimer Ensemble at the age of 19. It was right after he took a one year break from music but got back on track soon after. "I wanted to quit music. I've had enough. Fortunately I decided to continue with what I love."

Since then it has been a success story at its best. By the special request of President Mary McAleese he performed in Aras an Uachtarain.

Then came The National Concert Hall, Gaiety Theatre, The Mansion House. Then Poland, Austria, Germany... He kicked most of the guys from the ensamble and formed Slovak Festival Orchestra where he has brought together most talented musicians from Slovakia. "Not everyone can cope with my demands. But do you know what I am really proud of?" he asks and then replies. "I had people from The Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra which is the biggest institution back home who asked me to play with me. A couple of years ago I was not even good for them to look at me!" As a son of a musician his way was clear even before he was born. He doesn't regret it at all. Some might say he is a bad boy but some may see this as a sign of a strong personality. Some compare him to Andre Rieu but he doesn't like it at all. "He is different. I've got my own style." Well, not a bad start for a boy who just turned 23.

Vladimir Jablokov and
Slovak Festival Orchestra

Vladimir Jablokov is the conductor, solo player and founder of the Slovak Festival Orchestra. From the age of five he has been playing violin and is the fourth generation of his family to make music his career.

In 2004 he came to Ireland and formed The Slovak Dulcimer Ensemble and became a well – known figure to Irish public. They performed at many important events includes The National Concert Hall, Gaiety Theatre, The Mansion House, The K-Club, Leinster House and by the special request of President Mary McAleese to perform in Aras an Uachtarain.