VI.BE

Born and raised in the small Ukrainian town of Khmelnytskyi, Vlad Tolordava discovered his passion for the trumpet at the age of nine. Under the guidance of a deeply dedicated teacher at the local music school, he immersed himself in classical repertoire while competing and performing at regional concerts. From an early age, Vlad was drawn to the expressive power of jazz legends, particularly the unmistakable voice of Louis Armstrong, whose spirit began to shape his musical dreams.

At 15, Vlad moved to Kyiv to pursue a junior bachelor’s program at the renowned R. Glier Kyiv Institute of Music, followed by a full classical trumpet bachelor’s degree starting at 19. He excelled in the rigorous classical tradition, but the outbreak of war in Ukraine in 2022 disrupted his path. Amid the upheaval, a profound shift occurred: at 20, Vlad realized his true love was not the classical canon but the freedom and soul of jazz. The trumpet felt alive in improvisation, groove, and emotional storytelling—pulling him away from strict notation toward the spontaneity he craved.

Seeking to follow this calling despite the ongoing conflict, Vlad relocated to Brussels, Belgium, where he enrolled in the Jazz Trumpet program at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Brussel (KCB). He thrived in the vibrant local scene, completing his Bachelor’s in Jazz (with a final concert in June at Campus KAAI) and establishing himself as a performer, educator, and active collaborator.

Vlad draws deep inspiration from jazz icons like Miles Davis, Bill Evans, Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, and John Coltrane, whose innovative approaches fuel his playing. He is equally captivated by the Brussels jazz community, admiring artists such as Bruno Vansina and Jean-Paul Estievenart for their creativity and professionalism.

Today, with over 16 years on the trumpet—including several years as a professional—Vlad performs regularly with SH Group, the Brussels-based jazz quintet led by bassist/composer Sébastien Hugue. As the current trumpeter, he brings energy to their live sets, drawing from the band’s emotional, narrative style inspired by Coltrane, ECM aesthetics, and Nordic jazz. (Note: While he joined post-recording of their 2020 EP and upcoming 2026 album Playing for Change, Vlad is integral to the group’s present and future performances.)

He also leads his own projects (interpreting standards and originals), collaborates on various sessions, and teaches trumpet, music theory, composition, and jazz improvisation to students in Brussels and online.

Rooted in his Ukrainian heritage and enriched by his Belgian home, Vlad continues to explore jazz’s boundless possibilities—playing with heart, curiosity, and a commitment to connection through music.