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Vladimir Fridman

Vladimir Fridman is a musician with the ability to move flawlessly through classic, jazz, traditional music of different countries with improvisational spirit, soul and true virtuosity. There is nothing ordinary about Vladimir Fridman and his music. He was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, with music a major part of his life. In Moscow Vladimir received his education in music and engineering. Despite the promising career as a civil engineer, Vladimir decided to pursue his real passion – guitar. Vladimir Fridman is a musician with the ability to move flawlessly through classic, jazz, traditional music of different countries with improvisational spirit, soul and true virtuosity. There is nothing ordinary about Vladimir Fridman and his music. He was born and raised in Moscow, Russia, with music a major part of his life. In Moscow Vladimir received his education in music and engineering. Despite the promising career as a civil engineer, Vladimir decided to pursue his real passion – guitar.

Pretty soon he was well known by Moscow Theater and music buffs. He was active in some of the best Moscow theaters and in a Philharmonic, and appeared on Russian TV. As an active member of the eccentric show group Jazz Balalaika (1988 -1998) Vladimir toured Europe, the Middle East and Japan and released four albums, Under the burning sky of Argentina- tangos of Astor Piazzolla; In the mood- Favorite Classic, Jazz and Popular Russian Music; Liber Tango, Jazz for kids and their parents. Audiences in many countries enjoyed his scintillating concert performances (as soloist, accompanist, and in ensemble).

Since his arrival to the United States in 1998, Vladimir became widely known in the musical community of the Greater Washington area. He frequently performs as member of two wonderful bands Gypsy Strings and TransAtlantic Duo, solo and with leading bands and musicians (Kol Haruach Klezmer Band, Machaya Klezmer Band, Seth Kibel). The album Ole Guapa released with Gypsy Strings, won the WAMMIES Award, in 2001. With TransAtlantic Duo, Vladimir had a series of concerts in the Washington, DC area in 2005 and 2007, including the Millenium Stage at the Kennedy Center. In 2006 TransAtlantic Duo toured in Germany. The Duo recorded CD TransAtlantic Dreams in 2006. Vladimir runs a very successful Guitar Studio. Many of his students received awards at the Montgomery County and Maryland State Guitar Competitions.

On his new innovative solo album Klezmer Reflections, Vladimir blended together well-known instrumental Klezmer melodies, Jewish traditional songs and his original compositions. He explores a repertoire for guitar that would otherwise rarely come to life in a Klezmer context. In his gifted hands, the guitar raises to the utmost heights of expressing the soul of Jewish music with all its pains and joys.

The album blends together well-known instrumental Klezmer melodies (Heiser Bulgar, Hava Nagila, Mizirlou), traditional songs (Yoshke Fortavek, Chiribim), a medley based on the famous Fiddler on the Roof musical, and Vladimir's original compositions. From the opening Tumbalalaika, arranged as a lyric waltz, to the turbulent as the Jewish destiny itself Unreal Run, this CD takes a listener to a fascinating musical journey through the rich Jewish folk music tradition. Vladimir’s interpretations of traditional Jewish songs in Yiddish and Russian are based on reminiscences from his childhood. In fact, his mother used to sing some of these songs to him, and her favorite tune, Oyfn Pripitchek, is featured on this album. Vladimir‘s original works, including meditative Prayer, celebrative Hasidic Rock, delightful Simple Waltz and impetuous Unreal Run, are infused by the Jewish spirit and represent a new rejuvenating wave in the Jewish music.

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Additional Resources

Millennium Stage Home Page

Watch Past Performances

12/28/08: Jewish Music Celebration: Vladimir Fridman

Russian-born guitarist Vladimir Fridman blends popular instrumental Klezmer melodies, traditional Jewish songs, and original compositions.

Jewish Music Celebration: Vladimir Fridman

Russian-born guitarist Vladimir Fridman blends popular instrumental Klezmer melodies, traditional Jewish songs, and original compositions.

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