A TRADITIONAL and classically trained Russian musician who lives on the Southside has had his music chosen for a scene in a Hollywood movie that is currently being shown in cinemas across the country.
Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter is the latest movie production by film director Tim Burton. The film was released in Irish cinemas last month and it features music composed and performed by Russian violinist Oleg Ponomarev (49), who lives in Clondalkin.
Mr Ponomarev, who has based himself in Ireland since he first came here 25 years ago, composed the song
‘Lautary’ for his 2005 album
‘Master of the Russian Gypsy Violin’.
Filmmakers Twentieth Century Fox heard the song and approached his record label ARC Music in May 2012 with a request to use it in the movie.
Mr Ponormarev, who comes from a Russian gypsy family, explained how he based the music on an old traditional tune that he heard in his youth.
“I heard the main melody when I was a younger because I played with lots of gypsies but then I took it and arranged it in a way that a lot of traditional gypsy and Moldavian/Romanian music is arranged,
? he said.
“In a way it is my tune but I got the melody when I was younger.
“The first part of the tune is pretty melancholic but like most of the gypsy music there is a part in the middle where it is extremely slow before it accelerates to absolutely insane speed, which is very typical for music from this region.
“It is good to have your music out here,
? he added.
“This is what musicians do and many of us end up with our tunes in ads and movies. Sometimes you write the tune and it is heard by two or three hundred people but in this case if it is in a film it can be heard by millions.
?
Mr Ponomarev based himself in Ireland because it is full of creative energy for musicians.
“Ireland is a paradise for musicians,
? he enthused.
“The energy for musicians here is amazing. You can feel the creative energy even through the economic crisis. This is the place for musicians to be.
?
ARC Music’s Caren Entwistle said the record company was contacted by Twentieth Century Fox with a specific request for
‘Lautary’, as they thought it would fit perfectly with a scene in the movie.
“We know exactly where it is going to be used, but I don’t want to spoil it for everyone,
? she said.
“We’re all looking forward to seeing the movie and listening out for Oleg’s music.
?
Anyone who wants to learn more about Oleg Ponomarev or who would like to listen to some of his music can log on to www.olegponomarev.com