«The horn of Vladislav Lavrik was pure, sonorous and soaring. George Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue” arranged by Timofei Dokshitzer for trumpet sounds much different in this variation but not a bit less thrilling».

Vladislav Lavrik, the trumpet soloist, navigated the opening glissando with great panache. This “young man with a horn” proved that he would do just fine in any big city. Lavrik has a gorgeous sound, with tasteful use of the wa-wa mute, and displayed the kind of innate musicality that is beyond teaching.

After a moment of shock, the audience embraced this decidedly Russian arrangement of the American classic [“Rhapsody in Blue” arranged by Timofei Dokshitzer for trumpet]. Lavrik’s triumphant final notes drew a deserved ovation. At intermission, Napa Valley Symphony director Asher Raboy pronounced the rendition “great fun.”

On this evening, trumpet player Vladislav Lavrik shone.