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 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

”No praise can be too high for violinist Dunja Lavrova. She proves herself on a level of the great fiddlers of the past" - The Independent (UK)

Early Years and Education

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

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’ debut album, My Dusty Gramophone, in 2015. After signing with Solo Musica / Naxos, the album was produced using vintage equipment, live takes, and analogue tape mastering to emulate mid-20th-century studio records. It garnered significant media attention worldwide, including airplays 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, the folk-inspired piano trio Inscape, 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. Between 2012 and 2019, she was a member of the Grammy-nominated John Wilson Orchestra, exploring cinematic repertoire. In 2015, she became the Leader of the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra, touring extensively with tribute bands like Abbamania: The Show and Queen Machine. Prior to moving to Australia in 2019, Dunja was a member of London's West End Production of The Book of Mormon for two years.

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 unique renditions of classics. Notable performances include a captivating live rendition of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" at Royal Albert Hall with Commander Chris Hadfield. During the 2020 lockdowns, Dunja continued with Cosmic Shambles for "Sea Shambles at Royal Albert Home," where she performed her own composition for violin and piano, co-hosted by Professor Brian Cox.

The Art of Improvisation

Dunja Lavrova's profound connection to improvisation extends far beyond musical performance; it is a core philosophical concept that underpins her entire artistic and pedagogical approach. Having received extensive improvisation tuition throughout her intensive musical studies at The Yehudi Menuhin School and the Royal College of Music, improvisation is a fundamental element she consistently integrates into her music performances.

As a "musical multi-linguist," her deep understanding of free improvisation allows her to seamlessly navigate and fuse diverse genres, contributing to the eclectic and spontaneous nature of her creative projects. This mastery also plays a vital role in her unique pedagogical methodology, where the harmonious integration of mind, body, and improvisation is cultivated to foster a state of peak performance or "flow." This approach empowers individuals to deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and enhance personal growth. 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.

Chamber Music

As a chamber musician, Dunja has captivated audiences worldwide not only through her group leadership and performance but also her unique repertoire choices. Her deep connection to composition and musicianship has led to the revival of numerous archived or "forgotten" chamber music compositions. These performances, often narrated by Dunja, have enchanted audiences at prestigious London venues such as Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, and Queen Elizabeth Hall. In 2009, her chamber music collective, Ensemble Metamusika (of which she was Leader and Director for five years), was featured on French National Television.

Since 2021, Dunja has been a proud founding member of the Inscape Piano Trio with composer/pianist Rick Chew and cellist Lachlan Dent. The trio performs Rick Chew's contemporary lyrical compositions, drawing inspiration from British folk music, poetry, and nature, delivering immersive and captivating experiences.

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)

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.

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. She is also the creator, director, and lead arranger of Dunja Lavrova & The Hot Three, a unique jazz fusion project showcasing her versatility.

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 (COMING SOON!)

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 Management, Communication & Leadership

Dunja demonstrates strong foundational management skills, having gained early professional experience as an Office Manager and Communications Manager for LEMCO / NatCap Group (UK). Her project management expertise is evident in the successful realisation of her critically-acclaimed debut solo album, My Dusty Gramophone, encompassing concept development, design, communication, and comprehensive execution. This is further underscored by her success in 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 & Breathwork

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).