DISCOVER DUNJA LAVROVA

OVERVIEW

Dunja Lavrova is an internationally-acclaimed and multiple award-winning artist, renowned as a master-performer, improviser, composer-arranger, and score-editor with a lifelong dedication to music and creative arts. Her significant career across performance, recording, score editing, and composition, combined with exceptional improvisation skills across diverse genres, allows her to transcend traditional music performance. This results in uniquely compelling experiences woven through her performances, projects, and educational initiatives, enriching the contemporary music industry and resonating with a diverse audience.

Based in Torquay (Surf Coast, AU), Dunja is a Russian-British creative artist and a visionary who brings a fresh perspective deeply rooted in her broad cultural background and a holistic, neurodiversity-informed philosophy. Harnessing extensive training and professional experience, coupled with her rich performance history, she consistently creates forward-thinking and impactful musical and educational projects.

Dunja Lavrova's mission is to transform the delivery and accessibility of creative arts education globally, particularly in underserved communities. She achieves this through a holistic and all-inclusive approach that caters to individual needs and neurodiversity, ultimately fostering creativity, unique self-expression, innovation, and personal growth.

LIFE AS A PERFORMER

Early Years and Education

"Dunja Lavrova is hotly tipped as one of classical music's most promising young stars..." - The Independent (UK)

As a prodigious child, Dunja began her musical studies in St Petersburg, Russia at the age of 3, where she consequently attended the legendary Music School for Exceptionally Gifted Children. During her 5 years of study there, Dunja won numerous competitions, toured Germany and Peru, and frequently appeared on National Television - feats all achieved by the age of 11!

At just 13 years of age, Dunja left her family behind when she won a one-of-a-kind 'Queen's Scholarship' to continue her intensive musical studies at the prestigious The Yehudi Menuhin School - relocating to the UK on her own.

Dunja continued her education at the Royal College of Music on full international scholarships. There, she completed the 4-year Bachelor of Music Course with First Class Honours, and the 2-year-long Postgraduate Degree (Master of Performance) with Distinction. She won various international awards, scholarships and prizes during this time, most notably The Tagore Gold Medal, presented to her by His Royal Highness Prince Charles, and the Young Artist of the Year at the Arts Club, Mayfair, presented by Sir David Attenborough. Throughout her studies, Dunja successfully auditioned to participate in international masterclasses with some of the world’s best-renowned professors, including Mstislav Rostropovich, Igor Oistrakh, Pierre Amoyal, Zahar Bron, Zvi Zeitlin, Dora Schwarzberg, Robert Levin and many others. She has performed for the members of the Royal Family on multiple occasions - as a soloist and with chamber ensembles.

Solo Career (Classical)

Dunja Lavrova's solo classical career began at a remarkably early age, taking her around the world as a child prodigy. She graced national television screens and concert hall stages across Europe and South America, captivating audiences with her exceptional talent.

As a concerto soloist, Dunja has performed beloved violin concertos with world-class orchestras and ensembles. She has captivated audiences at renowned venues including Russia's Philharmonia Grand Hall in St Petersburg, Moscow's Bol’shoy Theatre, London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, as well as at numerous concerts and festivals across the UK, Europe, Russia, and South America.

With a passion for the playing style of early 20th-century violinists, Dunja released her highly acclaimed ‘authentically-recorded’ concept album, My Dusty Gramophone, in 2015. Dunja single-handedly conceptualised and creatively oversaw the entire project, which was realised using vintage equipment, live takes, and analogue tape mastering to faithfully recreate the nostalgic sound of mid-20th-century studio records. The album was distributed by Naxos and Sony, and has captivated audiences and critics alike: earning widespread praise, airplay on BBC Radio 3, and a full feature in Classical Music Magazine.

Musical Multi-Linguist & Multi-Genre Performance

Dunja's projects as a leading creative director are characterised by their eclecticism, spontaneity, and creativity. These range from her classical debut album to electrifying YouTube videos, her Jazz Fusion project Dunja Lavrova & The Hot Three,  and sought-after compositions/arrangements like Rock Anthems for Strings and arrangements for popular artists.

As an internationally-acclaimed classical violinist with a deep understanding of non-classical genres and score arranging, Dunja, a self-proclaimed "musical multi-linguist," has collaborated with numerous musicians from eclectic backgrounds.

She has performed with various Jazz, Pop, and Rock artists, including Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman, Rita Ora, Cliff Richard, Kate Ceberano, Lior and Il Divo, and has appeared on dozens of critically acclaimed CD albums.

Dunja has regularly led string sections alongside Big Bands, notably the sold-out Music of Bond performance with Kate Ceberano in Melbourne in 2019. In 2015, she became the Leader of the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra, touring extensively with tribute bands like Abbamania: The Show, and Queen Machine. 

In the realm of musical theatre, Dunja has performed with numerous West-End musicals, contributing her instrumental artistry to countless globally-acclaimed productions. Between 2017 and 2019, Dunja was a member of London's West End Production of The Book of Mormon.

From 2017 to 2019, Dunja showcased her exceptional musical versatility as an in-house artist for "Nine Lessons for Curious People," a Christmas Special event by the Cosmic Shambles Network. Collaborating with UK jazz pianist Will Bartlett, she delighted audiences with their own unique renditions of festive classics.

During the 2020 lockdowns, Dunja performed both instrumental parts of her very own composition for violin and piano for Cosmic Shambles' Live Online Production of "Sea Shambles at Royal Albert Hall" - co-hosted by Professor Brian Cox.

Other notable performances for Cosmic Shambles Network include a captivating live rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" at Royal Albert Hall with Commander Chris Hadfield.

Improvisation

Dunja is fascinated by improvisation - both in music and in life. She received extensive improvisation tuition throughout her musical studies - both at school and at The Royal College of Music. Her formal training included dedicated courses and workshops focused on developing improvisational skills in various styles. This education laid a strong foundation for Dunja's later explorations in jazz, rock, pop, world music, and free improvisation.

Her public debut as improviser took place at the legendary Soho Jazz Club in 2012, where she engaged in a spontaneous 3-minute duet (Dunja’s first improvisation in a Jazz performance!) - with the late and great singing artist Tina May. Following that experience, Dunja soon began to incorporate improvisation into her classical performances at such prestigious venues as Cadogan Hall and Wigmore Hall (UK)- adding a personal and contemporary touch to the traditional classical repertoire.

Dunja’s early deep appreciation for world music has led her to explore improvisational techniques drawing from various cultural traditions, allowing for spontaneous musical dialogues with musicians from diverse backgrounds.

She regularly engages in free improvisation performances, embracing the freedom of creating music without pre-determined structures or harmonic constraints, pushing the boundaries of sonic exploration. 

Dunja has collaborated on charts and improvised with world-leading jazz artists. In the often-unpredictable environment of rock and pop collaborations, her improvisational skills often come to the fore, requiring on-the-spot musical invention. She has improvised with countless bands and DJs at events in various prestigious venues all around the globe.

In 2024, the audiences on The Surf Coast Arts Trail (AU) witnessed Dunja's improvisational skills as she collaboration with visual artists. 

Dunja's exploration of improvisation's multifaceted nature is further evidenced by its substantial focus in her PhD proposal, demonstrating her commitment to advancing its understanding both practically and theoretically. 

As Dunja describes it herself, “improvisation is not merely a valuable skill for contemporary musicians and creative artists; it is a fundamental aspect of life itself. The ability to adapt, respond to unexpected situations, and create in the moment is crucial not only in artistic expression but also in navigating the complexities and opportunities that life itself presents.”.

Chamber Music

As a chamber musician, Dunja has captivated audiences at various prestigious venues worldwide - not only by her group leadership and musical performance; but also by the unique choice of the repertoire she chose to perform with her groups.

Dunja’s unique relationship with composition and musicianship - coupled with her innate curiosity and immense passion - have resulted in the “revival” of numerous archived / “forgotten” chamber music compositions.

The performances were narrated by Dunja, and enchanted the audiences at such renowned venues in London as the Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Soho Jazz Club in London.

In 2009, one of Dunja’s many creative projects - a chamber music “collective”, Ensemble Metamusika - was featured on French National Television.

As a Leader of chamber groups, Dunja has given recitals at various prestigious venues all over Europe, such as Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Purcell Room and Soho Jazz Club in London, and the Bol'shoy Theatre in Moscow.

She has appeared on French National Television with Ensemble Metamusika, of which she was the Leader and Director for 5 years prior to her permanent relocation to Australia in 2019.

Orchestral Career (Classical)

Dunja’s extensive orchestral experience includes performing in leadership positions (first and second violins) as well as rank-and-file roles with leading professional classical orchestras and world-renowned conductors such as Bernard Heitink, Lauren Maazel, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paavo Jarvi, Vladimir Ashkenazy, and John Wilson.

Over her impressive career, Dunja has performed, recorded, and toured extensively with world-renowned orchestras including The London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Opera House (London), The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Symphony Orchestra, The John Wilson Orchestra, The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria, Australian Pops Orchestra, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, and The Halle Orchestra, among many others.

Orchestra Leader & Co-Leader - Highlights:

Royal Opera House (London) - Assistant Concertmaster (2010-2012)

London Philharmonic Orchestra - Co-Leader (2009-2014)

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra - Co-Leader (2019-2020)

Australian Pops Orchestra - Co-Leader (2020)

London Symphonic Rock Orchestra - Leader (2015-2019)

Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra - Co-Leader, Chamber Group Leader, Principal 2nd (2018 - 2019)

London Concert Orchestra - Associate Concertmaster (2017-2019)

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra - Associate Concertmaster (2016)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra - Co-Leader, Principal 2nd (2011)

Tchaikovsky Camerata (London) - Leader, Co-Leader and Soloist (2009-2019)

Covent Garden Soloists (London) - Leader (2010-2013)

Recording Career

Dunja Lavrova boasts a diverse and extensive recording career, spanning from early childhood experiences to collaborations with renowned orchestras and artists across multiple genres, culminating in her critically acclaimed solo album. Her passion for capturing authentic performances and her deep understanding of various musical styles have made her a sought-after recording artist.

Highlights in Recording:

Childhood Recording Activities: Even as a child, Dunja's idea of play-time often involved recording herself performing songs, pieces she was learning, her own stories, and other creative endeavours, demonstrating an early and innate passion for capturing and sharing her musical expressions.

Early Experience In Recording: Dunja's early exposure to the recording studio began with recording string tracks for her renowned singer-songwriter and producer father. This formative experience instilled in her a deep understanding of the recording process and the nuances of studio performance and music production.

Symphonic Albums and Movie Soundtracks: Throughout her orchestral career, Dunja has contributed to countless recordings of symphonies and movie soundtracks with world-renowned symphony orchestras such as the BBC Symphony Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, and London Philharmonic Orchestra, among others.

Recording at World-Renowned Studios: Dunja has had the privilege of recording at some of the world's most prestigious studios, with Abbey Road Studios holding a particularly special place in her career, often feeling like a second home due to the frequency of her recording sessions there.

Notable Film Recordings: Dunja's impressive list of film recording credits includes contributions to the soundtracks of notable productions such as "Ted" and "Blue Planet 2”.

Globally-Acclaimed Solo Album “My Dusty Gramophone”: A significant highlight of her recording career is the release of her unique and globally-acclaimed solo album, "My Dusty Gramophone." This project reflects her passion for early 20th-century violin playing and recording styles, and was recorded live - using vintage equipment and analogue mastering techniques.

Collaborative Recordings: Dunja's collaborative spirit has led to numerous recording projects with world-renowned artists and groups across a wide range of musical genres, showcasing her adaptability and creative input in diverse musical contexts.

Entertainment Industry

Dunja Lavrova has made significant contributions to the broader entertainment industry over the course of her professional career, showcasing her versatility and engaging with diverse audiences. Her entertainment performances have taken place at numerous prestigious venues and for notable celebrities, including performances for Buzz Aldrin and Simon Cowell.

For over 15 years of her career, Dunja was the Leading Violinist of immensely popular electric string quartets in UK, such as Stringmania and String Diva, performing high-energy shows for a variety of events. She has worked on popular television shows such as Britain's Got Talent and The X-Factor, as well as high-profile events like London Fashion Week, ELLE's Fashion Awards.

Dunja also led her own trio, Scherzo!, which entertained audiences as head talent on cruise ships with their signature show, delivering captivating performances night after night.

As a skilled improviser, Dunja has collaborated with numerous DJs, performing at leading event venues across London, adding a live instrumental element to electronic music sets.

As a performer-entertainer, Dunja has performed at numerous popular sports events and air shows, bringing her musical talent to a wide range of audiences.

On the other side of the spectrum, Dunja has had the honour of entertaining the Royal Family at private functions.

"Motion Pictures - LIVE" & Golden Age of Hollywood

Dunja has extensive experience in live performances accompanying film, bringing an added layer of emotional depth to cinematic experiences. Notable highlights include performances with numerous world-renowned symphony orchestras at the Royal Albert Hall for screenings of iconic movies.

Coincidentally, was involved in one of the earliest experiments of such performances, playing for “Video Games Live” in early 2000s.

Between 2017 and 2019, Dunja was a member of London's West End Production of The Book of Mormon. 

Dunja has regularly led string sections alongside Big Bands, including the sold-out performance of Music of Bond with Kate Ceberano in Melbourne in 2019.

For many years, she collaborated with the late and great jazz vocalist Tina May, performing Tina's unique interpretations of Edith Piaf's songs and original arrangements of jazz standards.

Dunja is the Creator, Director and Lead Composer-Arranger of Dunja Lavrova & The Hot Three, which featured her as lead violin virtuoso soloist supported by a jazz trio in 2018-2020. This unique project showcased Dunya's musical versatility in performing a fusion of musical styles: from classical to traditional jazz, to Hollywood's Golden Era - all with an original and modern twist.

Editorial Work & Composing-Arranging

Dunja has been in demand as a score arranger, transcriber, and composer for many years, supplying arrangements to performers and institutions worldwide. Her most popular arrangement, of the Russian song "Dark Eyes," has been viewed over 165,000 times on her popular YouTube Channel.

She was the score arranger and musical director for Showtime Australia's The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show (2018-2019). During the Victorian lockdowns (2020-2022), Dunja collaborated on multiple recordings and albums with renowned Australian artists and performed on numerous online festival platforms, including The Royal Albert Hall’s “Royal Albert Home” festival.

Dunja's versatile Composing-Arranging skills truly shined in her unique jazz fusion project, Dunja Lavrova & The Hot Three (please see above). In 2019, Dunja created an eclectic musical show with Melbourne-based pianist Tamara Vasilevitsky, featuring their own arrangements across various genres, performed to sold-out audiences across Australia.

In 2017, Dunja became a Score Editor for Carl Fischer Music (USA), a historically significant publisher. Her involvement began when she sought an archived score, "Levee Dance" (Opus 27, No. 4) by African-American violinist and composer Clarence Cameron White. Inspired by her passion, Carl Fischer offered her the editor position for the work. The new edition of "Levee Dance," edited by Dunja, became an overnight success, now listed in the Core Works of Violin Syllabus by ABRSM and AMEB. In 2018, it was performed live at London Symphony Orchestra’s Digital Concert Hall by its esteemed Leader, Carmine Lauri. Dunja’s work on "Levee Dance" has significantly enriched the contemporary violin repertoire with superior-quality compositions by individuals from marginalised groups.

Centre of Creative Harmony:

A Unique Approach to Creative Arts Education

Dunja Lavrova is the visionary behind the Centre of Creative Harmony, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to transforming creative arts education globally. Through decades of immersive research and practical experience, Dunja has meticulously crafted a unique pedagogical methodology applicable to general music education and instrumental studies. This holistic, client-focused approach is uniquely attuned to individual needs, integrating Eastern and Western philosophies, neuroscience, mindfulness, and psychology to foster creativity, self-expression, and personal growth. Dunja empowers individuals to cultivate a state of "flow," building resilience, independence, and enhancing overall life satisfaction.

For a comprehensive understanding of the Centre of Creative Harmony, its methodology, and programs, please visit the dedicated Centre of Creative Harmony page.

Contributions to Traditional Music Education

Dunja’s extensive experience as a music educator and examiner spans over two decades, encompassing private and group instruction in traditional educational settings. Her expertise covers instrumental teaching (strings & piano), ensemble/orchestral coaching, general music education, songwriting, arranging, and performance. With a proven track record, Dunja inspires and nurtures young musical talent, with her students consistently achieving exceptional results in AMEB and ABRSM examinations and securing places at world-renowned music institutions, including the Royal College of Music. She has held positions at prestigious schools such as Bialik College and Geelong Grammar School (AU), as well as Ealing Junior Music School and Millfields Community School (UK). Her formal teacher training includes a TTA Certificate (UK).

Additional Skills & Experience

Outreach, Volunteering & Care-Work

Driven by her passion for music's transformative power, Dunja developed and implemented music programs for diverse communities during her Bachelor of Music studies. Her work is informed by extensive research into educational psychology and the social/psychological impacts of music and outreach. She discovered music's profound effects on mental health, leading to an ongoing commitment to supporting mental health initiatives through performing arts. A dedicated volunteer, Dunja has worked with countless non-profit organisations worldwide, using her talents as a performer and public speaker to advocate for mental health, provide music education to children in remote areas, and raise funds for disaster relief. Since 2020, Dunja has professionally supported individuals with disabilities as a Therapy Assistant and Specialist Support Worker within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria.

Project & Talent Management, Communication & Leadership

Dunja Lavrova possesses strong foundational management skills, having gained early professional experience as an Office Manager and Communications Manager for LEMCO / NatCap Group (UK).

Her creative project management expertise is truly evident in the successful realisation of her critically-acclaimed debut solo album, My Dusty Gramophone, encompassing concept development, design, communication, and comprehensive execution.

Dunja's success as a Project and Talent Manager includes managing human resources and operational logistics for international tours of renowned ensembles, including the Covent Garden Soloists and London Symphonic Rock Orchestra.

As Talent Manager for the award-winning The Whitney Houston Show in 2019, Dunja was responsible for the full lifecycle management of touring band personnel.

Committed to continuous professional development, she enhanced her capabilities with a Diploma in Project Management (Melbourne, 2021).

Earlier, as a Fine Instruments Advisor and Specialist at Martin Phelps Music in London (2003-2006), Dunja undertook managerial responsibilities including stock acquisition and customer service.

Yoga, Meditation, Martial Arts & Breath-work

Dunja’s journey towards holistic well-being began at The Yehudi Menuhin School, where meditation and yoga were integral. Her exploration expanded to include martial arts (karate and iaido) and a dedicated daily practice evolving through various yoga styles. In 2019, she undertook Transcendental Meditation training, complemented by comprehensive Yoga Teacher Training. Breath awareness and control are cornerstones of Dunja's holistic approach, profoundly influencing her personal practice and professional work, underpinning both peak performance and general well-being.

Formal Education

MASTER OF PERFORMANCE (2 YEARS), DISTINCTION - Royal College of Music, London (2007-2009)

BACHELOR OF MUSIC (4 YEARS), FIRST CLASS HONOURS - Royal College of Music, London (2003-2007)

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, DIPLOMA - Albright Institute, Melbourne (2020-2021)

Certifications & Accreditations

Fully Accredited by Victorian Music Teacher Association (VMTA)

Fully Accredited The Teacher Training Agency (TTA)

Valid Working with Children Check

First Aid Certificates: HLTAID001 (Provide CPR), HLTAID002 (Provide Basic Emergency Life Support), and HLTAID003 (Provide First Aid).