Artist description The musical force is strong with Vasyl Popadiuk - his father is a musician; his brother, a violinist, and his mother, a choreographer. Born in Ukraine, Vasyl first studied piano at age four, and began playing the violin at age six. His talent was "recognized early when his stage debut at the age of 7 left his audience mesmerized by his mature virtuosity."Now in Canada for five years, Vasyl is winning over audiences with his intense virtuoso performances.

Music Style Modern Folk/New Age

Musical Influences Classical, Jazz, World styles, Sound effects reproduced on a violin

Artist History Vasyl Popadiuk Jr. was born in Ukraine to Vasyl Popadiuk Sr. - a musician/composer - and Svitlana Popadiuk, a choreographer. Vasyl Jr. studied piano at 4, the violin at 6 and attended a specialized school for musically gifted children, named after M. Lysenko, in Kyiv, Ukraine. His talent was recognized early when his first stage debut at the age of 7 left his audience mesmerized by his mature virtuosity. Throughout his childhood and adolescence, Vasyl performed in Ukraine, other Eastern Europe countries, and Western Germany. After graduating from the specialized school in the class of violin, he continued his studies at the National Conservatory of Music in Ukraine. While a student, he performed as a leading violin with the world renown Nazarov`s Theatre in Moscow and toured with them in Spain, Italy, France, Austria, Holland, Tunis and Jordan from 1989 until 1995. From 1995 and 1997 Vasyl was a first violin in orchestra of the Hopak National Dance Ensemble (Ukraine) and toured with them throughout Europe and North America. At the same time he was performing with the National Gypsy Theatre "ROMANCE" of Ukraine and toured with them extensively as well. Vasyl is featured in the audio and video productions of the above mentioned groups, produced at the time of his involvement with them. Since 1997, Vasyl Popadiuk has resided in Canada. His mastery and fiery virtuosity with music has been shared with music lovers across North America. He performs regularly on public television, in concerts and music festivals. Vasyl Popadiuk`s life-long passion and inseparable union with the violin gave birth to his musical hallmark of blending folk with jazz improvisations. He has become known for his unique style of performing and has been applauded as an artist of his own kind. Vasyl's virtuosity rooted in classical discipline, leaves his audiences breathless. His first CD entitled ABLAZE was recorded and produced independently in Canada (1999) and has enjoyed great success and notoriety. 5,000 copies were sold independently, without any distributor. ABLAZE 2: "Ten Thousand Miles" is Vasyl`s second CD, recorded and produced independently in Canada. It is the outcome of Vasy`s experimentation of various world rhythms. In June 2002 Vasyl was chosen among 15 out of 1500 contestants to participate in Canada’s national CBC`s Great Canadian Music Dream contest. Following the next selection stage, Vasyl ended up in the group of 5 semi-finalists from Ontario. "Vasyl has a rare and unique gift which enables him to combine the rich traditions of his heritage with the technique of a classical virtuoso ..." R. O`Neill, Music Director Riverdance: the show

Location Kiev, Ukraine - Ukraine

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