Renowned for his electrifying stage presence and virtuosic performances, violinist Vladimir Jablokov returns to Limerick this Saturday May 31 for a rare, intimate concert at Belltable. Joined by acclaimed pianist Adam Kuruc, the one-night-only event promises an evening rich with passion, storytelling and exquisite music.
Vladimir, who has headlined Dublin’s 3Arena for three consecutive years and sold out venues like the National Concert Hall and Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, is embracing a new chapter—focusing on smaller venues and more personal performances.
“This show is about getting back to the heart of it,” he tells the Limerick Post. “Just music, stories and the people.”
The concert reflects on Vladimir’s remarkable journey—from his roots in Slovakia to the streets of Dublin and on to Ireland’s most prestigious stages. “I wanted to come back to an intimate show with just a pianist, and reflect on all the years I’ve spent in Ireland—bringing back the childhood memories and the events that influenced my career,” he says.
At 12, Vladimir was singing with the Bratislava Boys Choir and performing at the Vienna State Opera. But despite early classical success, he was always a rebel. “Even then, I wanted to do music differently,” he says. “I wanted to present it in a way that everyone could understand.”
His first concerts in Bratislava failed to attract audiences, and by 18, discouraged and impatient, he fell out of love with music. Searching for a new start, he arrived in Ireland with no English, little money and a 35kg backpack-and nearly left his violin behind.
“I ended up sleeping rough with my violin in the sleeping bag. I was actually scared,” he recalls. “Luckily, the Slovak community helped me get a hostel and a flat.”
Busking in Temple Bar during a bitterly cold winter, Vladimir was on the edge. “I’d run from Rathgar to warm up, open the violin case, play until I froze again, and repeat.”
But it was during this time he formed his first band with fellow Slovak musicians, drawing huge crowds and stopping traffic. “That’s when I realised maybe I was doing something right,” he says.
His mission was clear: to make classical music accessible-and cool.
And he succeeded. From Grafton Street to sold-out arenas, Vladimir’s rise has been extraordinary. He has toured with Il Divo, collaborated with Katherine Jenkins, and brought his hugely popular Viennese Christmas concerts to stages across Ireland.
Now based in Ireland, Vladimir lives with his wife Nicola, a nurse and former frontline worker, and their four children. “Ireland is home,” he says.
At Belltable, audiences can expect a captivating mix of classical favourites and cinematic gems, from Spartacus and The Godfather to Por Una Cabeza and Hungarian Dance No. 5, all delivered with Vladimir’s trademark gypsy flair and storytelling charm.
Pianist Adam Kuruc, a childhood friend from the Conservatory of Music in Bratislava, joins him for the tour. Their musical journey began as teenagers when Vladimir commissioned Adam-then a composition student-to write original pieces. One of those, Celtic Dream, will be performed on the night.
“It feels like destiny,” Vladimir reflects. The tune was written long before Vladimir ever imagined he’d live in Ireland. Now he and Adam are touring the country together 25 years later.
Every piece in the programme has a personal resonance: Humoresque pays tribute to his mother’s return to music; Hungarian Dance No. 5 honours his father’s encouragement to play the violin; and Celtic Dream celebrates his enduring creative partnership with Adam.
As RTÉ once noted, “The life of violinist Vladimir Jablokov is worthy of a biopic.” His performances are a celebration of resilience, love, and the transformative power of music. Hot Press describes his concerts as “exhilarating stuff, played with passion and skill.”
With over 180,000 concert goers and nine album releases-including Vladimir’s Classical Christmas, Classical Twist, and The Violinists Vladimir and Anton-his blend of classical, folk, and popular traditions continues to captivate fans across Ireland and beyond.
Following this Limerick concert, Vladimir returns to the 3Arena in December for his fourth consecutive headline show.
Vladimir Jablokov live and up-close at Belltable this Saturday 31 May. Tickets available at www.limetreebelltable.ie.
