DISCOVER THE ARTISTRY OF DUNJA LAVROVA

OVERVIEW

Master-performer, improviser, composer-arranger, and score-editor, Dunja Lavrova is an internationally-acclaimed and multiple award-winning artist with a lifelong dedication to music and creative arts.

Her significant career as a performer, recording artist, score editor, and composer-arranger, combined with improvisation skills across multiple musical genres, empowers her to transcend the norms of 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 clientele.

Based in Torquay (Surf Coast, AU), Lavrova is a Russian-British creative artist who brings a fresh perspective that is deeply rooted in her broad cultural background and holistic / neurodiversity-informed philosophy. Harnessing her extensive training and professional experience across a wide range of industries and disciplines, coupled with her rich music performance history and improvisational skills, Dunja creates forward-thinking and impactful performances, projects, and educational initiatives.

Dunja Lavrova's self-proclaimed mission is to transform the delivery and accessibility of creative arts education globally, particularly in underserved communities, 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 some of the most beloved concertos from the violin repertoire accompanied by world-class orchestras and ensembles. Throughout her career as a concert violinist, Dunja has won the hearts of her audiences at world-renowned venues, which include Russia's Philharmonia Grand Hall in St Petersburg, Moscow's Bol’shoy Theatre; London's Queen Elizabeth Hall, Kings Place, Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, Soho Jazz Club and Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club; and has performed in many other concerts and festivals around the U.K., Europe, Russia and South America.

Fanatical about the playing style of the violinists of the early 20th century and on a self-proclaimed 'mission' to bring the scores and the performance traditions of that period to the audiences of today, Dunja released her highly acclaimed ‘authentically-recorded’ debut album in 2015, after signing a record deal with Solo Musica / Naxos. The album, entitled My Dusty Gramophone, was produced in the style of mid-20th century studio records: it was recorded on vintage equipment using live takes and mastered on analogue tape with minimal reverb. The album has received numerous positive reviews and significant media attention worldwide, including airplays on BBC Radio 3, a review in BBC Music Magazine and a full feature in Classical Music Magazine's May 2015 issue.

MUSICAL MULTI-LINGUIST & MULTI-GENRE IMPROVISOR

The musical projects of which Dunja is the leading creative director are characterised by their eclecticism, spontaneity and creativity. These projects range from her authentically-recorded debut classical album and its accompanied vintage-themed, narrated performances; through to the electrifying videos on her YouTube channel, a spellbinding Jazz Fusion project Dunja Lavrova & The Hot Three, the Folk-inspired piano trio - Inscape, and her sought-after compositions / arrangements, including: Rock Anthems and Jazz Standards for Strings and Accompanied Solo Violin, Arrangements of Popular Songs for Orchestra, and countless Multi-Track Strings Arrangements (whilst collaborating with Popular Artists on their Recording Projects).

As an internationally-acclaimed classical violinist with a deep understanding of non-classical genres, free improvisation and score arranging, Dunja has participated in collaborative projects with a number of musicians from eclectic backgrounds. Dunja has performed with various Jazz, Pop and Rock artists, including: Kate Ceberano, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Seth MacFarlane, Hugh Jackman, Liane Carroll, Gwylim Simcock, Rita Ora, Cliff Richard, Il Divo and many others.

In collaborative contexts, she has appeared on dozens of CD albums, which have received releases and critical acclaim worldwide.

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.

Between 2012 and 2019, she was a member of the Grammy-nominated John Wilson Orchestra - a group that explores the cinematic and musical repertoire and the performing style of Hollywood’s orchestras from the first half of the 20th century.

In 2015, Dunja became the Leader of the London Symphonic Rock Orchestra, a group that toured extensively with world's greatest tribute bands, including Sweden's Abbamania: The Show and Denmark's Queen Machine.

Dunja was a member of London's West End Production of The Book of Mormon for 2 years before moving to Australia in 2019.

Between 2017 and 2019, Dunja showcased her exceptional musical versatility as an in-house artist for "Nine Lessons for Curious People" - a Christmas Special event celebrating science, as part of the ever-growing Cosmic Shambles Network. Working together with Dunja's musical alias - the exceptional UK jazz pianist Will Bartlett - the duo delighted the audiences with their unique renditions of Christmas classics, whilst working closely with the event's host - the renowned UK comedian, BBC radio host, actor, and writer - Robin Ince, and collaborating with numerous guest musicians. The most notable moments from Dunja's collaboration with the Cosmic Shambles Network include a captivating live performance of David Bowie's "Space Oddity" at Royal Albert Hall with the esteemed astronaut, engineer, and writer Commander Chris Hadfield. Dunja further showcased her versatility and flexibility as an artist during the lockdowns of 2020, when she joined Cosmic Shambles once again - this time, over the live internet translation of Royal Albert Hall's "Sea Shambles at Royal Albert Home". For this event, Dunja wrote a composition for violin and piano - which she performed live on the violin to a recording of herself playing the piano part. The event was co-hosted by the distinguished physicist Professor Brian Cox.

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. She frequently includes improvisation in her own concert performances. Her PhD proposal is focused substantially on improvisation - both in musical performance and as a philosophical concept.

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 consistent growth beyond what is generally expected from a performing musician - 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 chamber musician, 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.

Since 2021, Dunja Lavrova has been a proud founding member of the Inscape Piano Trio with the sought-after composer and pianist Rick Chew, and the acclaimed cellist Lachlan Dent. Inscape Piano Trio dedicates itself to performing Rick Chew's contemporary lyrical and dramatic compositions, which are further enhanced by the collaborative creative input from all its members during the preparatory stages. Drawing inspiration from traditional British folk music, poetry, painting, and awe-inspiring beauty of nature, Rick's compositions are created for the diverse modern audiences. With passion for story-telling through music, Inscape Piano Trio delivers a truly immersive and captivating experience that speaks to the heart and soul of listeners.

ORCHESTRAL CAREER (CLASSICAL)

Dunja’s extensive orchestral experience includes working with leading professional classical orchestras and world-leading conductors, performing in Leadership positions as well as rank-and-file roles - in both first and second violins.

As an Orchestral Violinist and Orchestra Leader, Dunja has worked and toured with such distinguished conductors as Bernard Heitink, Lauren Maazel, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Paavo Jarvi, Roger Norrington, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Thierry Fischer, John Wilson - to name a few.

Over the years of her impressive career, Dunja has performed, recorded, and toured extensively with such world-renowned orchestras as: The London Symphony Orchestra, The Royal Opera House (London), The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (London), The Philharmonia (London), BBC Symphony Orchestra (London), The John Wilson Orchestra (London), The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Victoria (Melbourne), Australian Pops Orchestra (Melbourne), The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, The Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, The Aurora Orchestra (London), The Orchestra of the Age of Enlightment (London). The Halle Orchestra (Manchester), amongst ,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. She has supplied her arrangements in a professional capacity to performers and institutions alike all around the world. Dunja’s most popular arrangement is of the Russian song Dark Eyes - the performance of which has been viewed over 165,000 times on her highly-popular YouTube Channel.

Dunja was the score arranger in Showtime Australia's The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show between 2018 and 2019, where she was also the orchestra leader and musical director. During the Victorian lockdowns of 2020-2022, Dunja collaborated on multiple recordings and albums with an array of renowned Australian artists, and performed on numerous online festival platforms, including The Royal Albert Hall’s “Royal Albert Home” festival (London) and “Arts of the Minds” Festival (Torquay).

In 2019, Dunja created an eclectic musical show with the internationally-acclaimed, Melbourne-based pianist Tamara Vasilevitsky, which showcased a broad spectrum of musical genres through Dunja’s and Tamara's own musical arrangements, and has been performed on numerous occasions to sold-out audiences all around Australia.

Dunja is the creator, director and lead 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 a fusion of original arrangements of musical styles: from classical to traditional jazz, to Hollywood's Golden Era - all with an original and modern twist.

In 2017, Dunja became a Score Editor for the historically-significant music score publishing company, Carl Fischer Music (USA). For over 100 years, Carl Fischer Music have been closely associated with some of the most iconic violinists of the so-called “Golden Age Era” (Jascha Heifetz, Fritz Kreisler and Misha Elman), and have held sole copyright ownership of the most popular music transcriptions and arrangements for violin and piano - the so-called “staples” of violin repertoire.

Dunja’s involvement with Carl Fischer Music as a Score Editor was a “happy accident”, led by her passion to perform “forgotten treasures” written by lesser-known composers. She had initially contacted Carl Fischer’s Editorial Team in order to obtain a copy of an archived score she fell in love with when listening to an old vinyl record - “Levee Dance” (Opus 27, No. 4) by the African-American violinist and composer, Clarence Cameron White. The Directors Board of Carl Fischer Music were so inspired by Dunja’s motivation and enthusiasm in regards to the score, that they quickly offered her a position as the editor of the work.

The new edition of “Levee Dance”, edited by Dunja Lavrova, was an overnight success, and has since become a new favourite amongst aspiring violinists and professionals alike.

Since its release, the score has been listed in the Core Works of Violin Syllabus by the world-leading music examination boards - ABRSM and AMEB.

In 2018, “Levee Dance” was performed live at London Symphony Orchestra’s Digital Concert Hall by the Orchestra’s esteemed Leader and violin virtuoso - Carmine Lauri.

Without a doubt, Dunja’s interest in the editorial work of the “Levee Dance” score and its republication have played a significant role in enriching the contemporary violin repertoire with superior-quality compositions written by individuals from marginalised groups.

CENTRE OF CREATIVE HARMONY:

AN UNIQUE APPROACH TO CREATIVE ARTS EDUCATION

HOLISTIC METHODOLOGY FOR GENERAL MUSIC & INSTRUMENTAL STUDIES

Through decades of immersive, action-oriented research and practical experience as a music tutor and performer, Dunja has meticulously crafted a unique pedagogical methodology applicable to general music education and the study of various instruments. This holistic approach moves beyond conventional instruction, fostering a deeper engagement with music and the creative process.

Dunja's client-focused approach delivers tailor-made lessons and sessions uniquely attuned to the needs of each student. By integrating a profound understanding of diverse musical disciplines, Dunja empowers her students to flourish creatively through her distinctive methodology. Her approach fuses Eastern and Western philosophies, cutting-edge neuroscience and anatomy research, mindfulness, yoga, and psychology, serving as a catalyst for self-expression, creative development, and personal growth.

Dunja shifts the emphasis from solely attaining the end goal to embracing the transformative journey itself. By cultivating a state of peak performance, or "flow" through the harmonious integration of mind, body, and improvisation, Dunja empowers individuals to deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and foster independence. This approach has proven to significantly boost her clients' confidence, helping them develop efficient time-management skills, and ultimately enhancing overall life satisfaction.

MASTER-LEVEL VIOLIN TUITION

Drawing upon a lifetime of immersive experience as a violinist and educator, Dunja has developed a unique and highly effective pedagogical approach specifically tailored for master level violin students. This methodology transcends traditional instruction, focusing on cultivating not only exceptional technical proficiency but also profound artistic expression and individual musical voice.

Her approach integrates advanced technical training with a deep exploration of performance psychology, stage presence, and the nuanced interpretation of complex repertoire. Dunja’s guidance empowers students to overcome technical challenges with greater efficiency, develop a confident and compelling performance style, and cultivate a deep personal connection with the music. This personalized mentorship prepares aspiring professional violinists to excel in auditions, competitions, and ultimately, in their careers.

DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVITY & INDIVIDUAL CREATIVE EXPRESSION:

TUTORING / MENTORSHIP / COACHING

Dunja offers her services as a dedicated tutor and mentor in creativity development and creative arts, catering to individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds. Her approach transcends specific artistic disciplines, focusing on unlocking innate creative potential and fostering self-expression in its broadest sense.

Through personalised guidance and supportive mentorship, Dunja helps clients explore and develop the confidence to embrace their own unique creative voice, overcome creative blocks, and explore different avenues of creative self-expression. Her methodology draws upon her diverse experiences in music, performance, multi-media art, and holistic practices - to cultivate a nurturing environment where experimentation and exploration are encouraged. Dunja empowers individuals to tap into their imagination, develop innovative thinking, and integrate creativity into various aspects of their lives - fostering personal growth and well-being.

Through decades of immersive, action-oriented research and practical experience as a music tutor and performer, Dunja has meticulously crafted her own unique pedagogical methodology.

Dunja's holistic coaching and mentoring philosophy is rooted in the creation of a safe, supportive space where clients can thrive. She believes in building strong, trusting relationships, and meeting clients where they are on their journey. Her peer-mentoring style, characterised by empathy and authenticity, enables her to connect with people from all walks of life, fostering well-being and personal growth.

Transcending the limitations of mere music and instrument instruction, Dunja’s holistic, client-focused approach delivers tailor-made lessons and sessions uniquely attuned to the needs of each student. By integrating a profound understanding of diverse range of disciplines, Dunja empowers her students and clients to flourish creatively through her distinctive methodology. Her approach fuses Eastern and Western philosophies, cutting-edge neuroscience and anatomy research, mindfulness, yoga, and psychology, serving as a catalyst for self-expression, creative development, and personal growth.

Dunja shifts the emphasis from solely attaining the end goal to embracing the transformative journey itself.

By cultivating a state of peak performance, or "flow" through the harmonious integration of mind, body, and improvisation, Dunja empowers individuals to deepen self-awareness, build resilience, and foster independence. This approach has proven to significantly boost her clients' confidence, helping them develop efficient time-management skills, and ultimately enhancing overall life satisfaction.

In 2020, Dunja submitted a comprehensive 10,000-word PhD proposal to leading Victorian universities to delve deeper into her pedagogical methodology and performance practices through practice-led research. This proposal garnered significant interest, resulting in multiple offers to undertake the outlined research in the near future.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE TRADITIONAL MUSIC EDUCATION SECTORS

Dunja’s experience as a music tutor is extensive, encompassing both private and group instruction in traditional educational settings.

As a seasoned music educator and examiner / adjudicator with over two decades of experience, Dunja has established a strong and respected presence within traditional educational institutions. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of musical disciplines, including instrumental teaching (strings & piano), group / ensemble / orchestral coaching and mentoring; alongside general music education, songwriting / arranging / composing, ear-training, harmony, music craft, and performance.

With a proven track record of excellence, Dunja has cultivated a reputation for inspiring and nurturing young musical talent. Her students consistently achieve exceptional results in AMEB and ABRSM examinations, and many have gone on to secure 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, as well as in the UK at institutions like Ealing Junior Music School and Millfields Community School. Her formal teacher training includes participation in the RCM Student Associates Scheme, where she received a TTA Certificate (Teacher Training Agency, UK).

ADDITIONAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

OUTREACH, VOLUNTEERING & CARE-WORK

Dunja has always been passionate about the transformative power of music. This passion was further ignited during her Bachelor of Music studies through an Education and Outreach module, where she developed and implemented music programs for diverse communities. The aim was to inspire individuals of all ages to explore instrumental music or overcome personal challenges through musical experiences. Her work was informed by extensive research into educational psychology and the social and psychological impacts of music and outreach programs. During this time, Dunja also discovered the profound effects of music on mental health as a creative and mindful outlet. This led to an ongoing commitment to supporting mental health initiatives through the means of performing arts.

Dunja’s compassionate nature and deep understanding of others have driven her lifelong commitment to helping those in need. A dedicated volunteer, she 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 been channeling her caring spirit in a professional capacity, supporting individuals with disabilities as a Therapy Assistant and Specialist Support Worker within the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Victoria.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT, COMMUNICATION & LEADERSHIP

Demonstrating strong foundational management skills, Dunja gained early professional experience as an Office Manager - which was followed by a Communications Manager role - for LEMCO / NatCap Group (UK), a global network driving impactful natural capital solutions.

Dunja's 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 planning.

This is further underscored by her success in managing the human resources and operational logistics for international tours of renowned orchestras and ensembles, including the Covent Garden Soloists (London), Classico Latino (Colombia), and the 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, utilising her Human Resources and Operational Management skills in recruitment, contract negotiation (collaborating with project leaders), on-tour team management, and final contract and payment processing.

Committed to continuous professional development, Dunja enhanced her project management and leadership capabilities with a Diploma in Project Management (Melbourne, 2021). This intensive year-long course covered key areas such as project quality, time, scope, human resources, and communication, incorporating weekly lectures and in-depth study of human relations, communication psychology, and leadership principles.

Earlier in her career as a Fine Instruments Advisor and Specialist at Martin Phelps Music in London (2003-2006), Dunja undertook managerial responsibilities, which included stock research and acquisition, customer service and communication; as well as office management, and front-of-store representation.

YOGA, MEDITATION, MARTIAL ARTS & BREATHWORK

Dunja’s journey towards holistic well-being commenced during her formative years at The Yehudi Menuhin School, where meditation and yoga were integral components of the extracurricular curriculum. This early exposure cultivated a deep appreciation for mindfulness and body awareness.

Upon leaving the school, Dunja's exploration expanded to include martial arts, delving into the disciplines of karate and iaido. However, the foundation laid in meditation and yoga remained steadfast. A dedicated daily practice was initiated twelve years ago, evolving from the structured frameworks of Bikram and Ashtanga yoga to the more fluid and introspective styles of Vinyasa and Yin Yoga.

In 2019, Dunja expanded her meditation practice through immersive Transcendental Meditation training in Melbourne. This was complemented by a comprehensive 300-hour Yoga Teacher Training program initiated in 2020, with the goal of achieving full Yoga Alliance certification in 2025.

Breath awareness and control is the cornerstone of Dunja's holistic approach, informing both her personal practice and professional work. Through extensive study of traditional and contemporary breathing techniques, including yogic Pranayama, she has developed a deep understanding of breath as the force underpinning both the peak performance state, and general well-being. This knowledge profoundly influences Dunja's teaching and mentoring.

ADDITIONAL CERTIFICATIONS & ACCREDITATIONS

Dunja is Fully Accredited by Victorian Music Teacher Association (VMTA) and The Teacher Training Agency (TTA).

Dunja holds a valid Working with Children Check, up-to-date Police Certificates (Australia and UK), and First Aid Certificates : HLTAID001 (Provide CPR), HLTAID002 (Provide Basic Emergency Life Support) and HLTAID003 (Provide First Aid).