Now resident in Ireland for more than ten years, Vladimir Jablokov has established himself as one of the brightest young stars on the Irish classical scene, with concerts and recordings that show his love of both classical and contemporary music. He is joined by his brother Anton for a sentimental journey of brand new arrangements of well-known songs that we’ve all grown up with. We had a chat with the brothers in advance of their Civic Theatre concert.
Can you tell us a bit about your background? Where did you grow up?
We grew up in Bratislava, Slovakia in a family of musicians, both our parents and all our siblings play an instrument.
How long have you being playing violin?
We played violins from a very early age. On everyday bases from the age of 6 when we went to music school.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
We have been growing mostly on classical music, especially the solistic/instrumental pieces. Vladimir had a period when he listened to Eminem Offspring and Nirvana as well. I (Anton) couldn’t avoid to hear what Vladimir was listening so it remained in memory quite well , but I never went too far from classical music. Since my teenage I begun to enjoy and listen to folk music and jazz.
What type of music do you play?
We are taking melodies that we all know, or are familiar with, we create a concert of entertaining virtuosic show pieces. Exploiting fully every instrument in our group and introducing all possible techniques, creates an unique nearly big orchestral sound.
Vladimir, your website says you went to Ireland in 2004 can you tell us a bit more about that?
I slightly rebelled against a strict classical route and went on a journey of personal musical exploration. I started busking on Grafton Street in Dublin in 2004 and I quickly learned what people want from classical music. Before then i wanted to quit violin. Now I am very happy I didn’t. Coming to Ireland helped me to find my professional path.
Anton, you have a degree in Masters degree with honours at the acclaimed Conservatorio della Svizzera Italiana in Lugano, how challenging was this to achieve?
It’s been quite challenging to study and begin to build a career at the same time. There were times when I had a temptation to quit the university and start to play concerts and gigs only but l fortunately I could resist. I benefit greatly from the studies all the time during the practise as well as on the stage.
Are you looking forward to the gig in the Civic?
We are really looking forward to performing at Civic. We never played there together. It’s also our first performance of the new repertoire. Can’t wait to see the reaction of the audience.
What’s the best part about performing?
We live to play and entertain. Adrenaline is our friend.
Who do you think would enjoy this show?
We engage with our audiences young and old and we strive to bring our music in a brand new and accessible way.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourselves?
Growing up as children we were complete dare devils in fact we decided for safety reasons to limit the amount of extreme sports we do together, and rather channel this adrenalin into our performances on the stage.
_________________________________________________________________________
Busking on Grafton Street??? Who knew! Thanks for the informative interview guys and have a great gig at the Civic.
Vlad & Anton
Thursday 23rd Nov. 8pm
Tickets €22/€20 Meal Deal- Ticket + 2 course Meal €33
