DUNJA LAVROVA - PROFESSIONAL ENDORSEMENTS
"I first met Dunja Lavrova in 2007, during the project dedicated to the 125th anniversary of the Royal College of Music. She was leading the RCM Symphony Orchestra under my direction, and I was very impressed with her mature skills as an Orchestra Leader, which was especially surprising given her young age. Dunja's performances of the programme's violin solos were incredibly beautiful, characterised by a deep understanding of the style, and maturity and ease beyond her years.
In 2012, I invited Dunja to join my orchestra, the John Wilson Orchestra, to perform at the BBC Proms. It's worth noting that all the musicians who play in my orchestra are extraordinary artists in their own own right – truly the best musicians in London. Dunja has been a valued member of the orchestra ever since. Together, we've toured on a yearly basis all around the UK, recorded numerous albums at London’s Abbey Road Studios, and performed at various festivals across Europe, including the prestigious Grafenegg Festival in Austria.
Over the years of touring and working together, I've come to know Dunja closely on a personal level. She is an intelligent, sensitive, incredibly interesting, and creative person. It's therefore no surprise that she has always been – and still remains – in demand in any musical environment and in any professional position.
I know how challenging it is in the music industry to have your voice heard and to stay true to it in this demanding, ever-changing climate. Yet, Dunja Lavrova has indeed succeeded at this task. As a solo artist, she constantly creates wonderful projects, always inventing, experimenting, and bringing something unique to the musical culture. One such project is her highly acclaimed solo album, "My Dusty Gramophone,” which I find particularly delightful.
With her subtle instinct, extraordinary talent, professionalism, efficiency, excellent knowledge of diverse musical styles, and desire to make music accessible to all, I have no doubt that Dunja Lavrova’s creative work will continue to enrich communities wherever she goes."
JOHN WILSON, Internationally-Acclaimed British Conductor (John Wilson Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Royal Concertgebouw, Swedish Radio Symphony, etc) / Arranger / Musicologist
"I first became acquainted with Dunja Lavrova in 2011, during a recording session with the multi-talented American singer, actor, cartoonist, and producer Seth MacFarlane at the world-renowned Abbey Road Studios in London. Ms. Lavrova’s violin playing immediately stood out as virtuosic and flamboyant; her unique sound instantly drew me in. We have since worked extensively on many projects, concerts, TV shows, and tours with various artists, including further studio recordings with Seth MacFarlane and performances with the Grammy-Nominated John Wilson Orchestra.
I have always followed Ms. Lavrova’s exciting career with great interest, watching her develop as a stand-out solo artist, band and ensemble leader, and a creator of new, innovative projects. I am convinced that wherever she goes, Dunja Lavrova is always an asset to the music and culture of the people – an inspiration for new generations of musicians and listeners alike.”
MIKE LOVATT, Globally-Renowned Performing-Recording Artist (Principal Trumpet BBC Big Band and John Wilson Orchestra) / Professor of Trumpet - the Royal Academy of Music / LTCL, GTCL Hons, HonARAM
"Dunja Lavrova is not only a very talented violinist – she is a music artist that possesses individuality in her playing, in addition to a wonderful character. Her successful partnership with the London Symphony Orchestra whilst still a young student at the Royal College, reflects her skills. I personally had the pleasure of not only working with Ms. Lavrova during her employment at the London Symphony Orchestra, but also in assisting her in private tuition in her early career as an aspiring Orchestra Leader. During those years, I had a first-hand witness of her sincere and mature musicianship, and her desire to have her own individual voice heard. Dunja’s talent has since come to my rescue when I chose to perform Clarence Cameron White's 'Levee Dance' at Royal Albert Hall – a score she had researched and edited for Carl Fischer Publications in 2017. Ms. Lavrova is a truly distinguished artist and a great asset to music communities worldwide. Her extensive experience in performance and education stand witness to her talents."
CARMINE LAURI, Associate Leader and Co-Leader, London Symphony Orchestra
"It is an honour and pleasure to recommend an exceptional person, musician and violinist - Dunja Lavrova. I will always remember her energised contributions in many projects we have worked on together over many years. Ms. Lavrova’s talent, professionalism, knowledge of a wide range of repertoire, and endless energy and motivation are a great asset for any stage!"
GORDAN NIKOLITCH, Former Concertmaster of London Symphony Orchestra and Chamber Orchestra of Europe
“I have had the pleasure of knowing Dunja Lavrova for many years both socially and professionally. She is a wonderfully exciting musician with her own unique voice in everything she plays and in the projects she creates.
I think what makes Dunja stand out so brightly is her diversity, creativity and the courage to try new ideas and new ways of making music, which is so vital in our industry. Having studied with Dunja at school since we were both teenagers, I always admired her dedication, reliability and discipline which has contributed to her successful career. As a soloist and chamber musician myself, I have also had many opportunities to witness Dunja’s work in concert and on record, all of which never cease to impress and engage listeners from many different backgrounds. I am convinced that Dunja Lavrova will always prove to be an invaluable asset to any creative and diverse society."
ALINA IBRAGIMOVA, Concert Violinist / Member of Chiaroscuro Quartet / Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Music, London
”It's my pleasure to speak of Dunja Lavrova’s exceptional talent. As Managing Director of Dream Town Music Ltd and Tom Croxon Management, I've known and worked with Dunja for 10 years, and she is truly a violinist of exceptional ability and international repute. I've had the privilege of hiring her for prestigious projects, including recordings at Abbey Road Studios for Warner Music, performances with the John Wilson Orchestra for the BBC, and shows with Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett at the Royal Albert Hall. I've also extended invitations for her to play on recordings for Seth MacFarlane and a Carpool Karaoke special with Ariana Grande. I have full confidence in supporting Dunja's good name and outstanding reputation in the music industry."
TOM CROXON, Managing Director, Dream Town Music Ltd / Tom Croxon Management
"Dunja Lavrova is a most exceptional international musician and artist. As a bandmaster and flautist/saxophonist with the Swedish super-band ABBA in my early career, I was honoured to work with Dunja on the highly acclaimed tribute show 'Abba: The Show,' where she performed as a soloist and centre-stage improviser between 2015-2019.
Dunja is a delightful character, an expertly talented violinist—a star in her own right, a great entertainer, and an accomplished musician full of charisma. Dunja was quickly promoted to become the Leader of the Orchestra and acted as a musical director, expertly collaborating with soloist singers, the band, and conductors. She possesses a distinct talent with a unique combination of intellectual and creative understanding of both classical music and popular genres.
Dunja was such a vital soul of our shows and is greatly missed since her migration to Australia. She has my absolute recommendation and full support for anything she chooses to do in the future."
ULF ANDERSSON, the late and great Swedish jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, flautist, composer, arranger, and bandmaster, known for his work and recordings with ABBA
"Dunja Lavrova's mastery of the violin is undeniable. We collaborated on the 'Music of Bond' project at the Karralyka Centre in August 2019, where I performed alongside Luke Kennedy. It was a two-day event, culminating in a sold-out evening performance. Dunja led the strings for the band, and her musicianship was incredibly impressive. Her extensive professional experience shines through, and her style and dedication truly elevated our project. In particular, her exceptional and charismatic solos were a highlight. She is a tremendous asset to the Australian Music Industry."
KATE CEBERANO, Renowned Australian Performer / Musician
"I have nothing but high praise for this international artist and musician, whose mastery of the violin is exceptional. I had the extreme pleasure of working with Miss Dunja Lavrova on my project 'Compassion' on October 27th, 2019. Miss Lavrova was easy to work with, accommodating on all professional levels, and made myself and every member of the orchestra feel comfortable. I was particularly impressed by her understanding of Jewish musical expression. I can only speak in glowing terms in relation to both her performance and musical leadership. Her presence in Australian music circles brings a unique contribution to our creative stakeholders, and is an immense benefit in helping to elevate our benchmark of international achievement."
LIOR ATTAR, ARIA Award-Winning Musical Artist and Composer
"I have known Dunja Lavrova since 2000 and she has always proved herself to be beyond the curve in regards to talent, work ethic, flexibility, attitude, and creativity. Back in London, Ms. Dunja was highly regarded as a phenomenal talent, so when she moved to Australia I recommended that she be invited to work with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra on a number of occasions, as Associate Concertmaster.
Ms. Lavrova never fails to surprise with her constant innovation. She is an absolute master at creating new and exciting projects and collaborations, and bringing great music and experiences to a variety of audiences. She is an excellent teacher to pupils of all ages and abilities, and her unique empathetic and dynamic nature means that she is able to connect with a wide variety of people on different levels, not just as a musician.
In short, Dunja Lavrova is an inherently good human being that has an inordinate amount of positivity, intelligence and talent to offer to the community – with international credentials and experience to match."
EMMA MCGRATH, Concertmaster - Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra
"Highly accomplished musician and educator Dunja Lavrova came highly recommended, and her calibre led Geelong Grammar School to prioritise creating a special position for her. She is a very fine asset to the Victorian music community and comes with my highest recommendation for work as a Music and Ensemble Tutor, as well as a performance and workshop leader/facilitator."
ARI FARRAR, Director of Music, Geelong Grammar School
"For many years, I have been a great admirer of Ms. Dunja Lavrova, for the highest level of her musical art and her innovative programmes for the young. I have known Ms. Dunja for several years now for her being very compassionate, passionate, generous, caring, and passionate with integrity. She is an inspiration to anyone who hears her music and makes her acquaintance, and is a truly inspiring educator - what a tremendous asset to the Australian community!"
DR. AYKE AGUS, Globally-Acclaimed Educator, Composer-Arranger, Score Editor, and Official Accompanist for the Great Jascha Heifetz over 15 years