Upholding the playing style of great violinists past, Dunja Lavrova has released her debut solo album My Dusty Gramophone, which promises a nostalgic trip back in time. Launching at OSO Arts Centre in Barnes on 20th February, Dunja will showcase works from the album as well as violin miniatures that didn’t quite make it on the record.

Nodding to the 20th century style of violinists such as Jascha Heifetz and David Oistrakh, My Dusty Gramophone has been recorded using vintage equipment and analog mastering. As well as using the intimate technique of placing the microphone as close to the violin’s sound-hole as possible, all of the pieces have been recorded in live takes, giving a more authentic feel. Dunja also plays a 1914 G.Pedrazzini violin with wound-gut strings.

Born in Russia, Dunja moved to the UK aged 13 to attend the Yehudi Menuhin School upon being awarded a full scholarship. At the age of 10 she entered her first competition, the Mravinsky Competition in St Petersburg, and was awarded a special prize. Subsequently, by the age of 11, she toured Germany and Peru, made appearances on Russian and Peruvian National Television, performed alongside St Petersburg’s leading orchestras and won a special prize at the Shostakovitch Competition in Hannover. In 2004 Dunja was named Young Artist of the Year at the Arts Club which led to a private benefactor presenting her with a 1914 G.Pedrazzini violin. Upon graduating from the Royal College of Music she was presented with the Tagore Gold Medal by HRH Prince Charles in 2010.

Dunja’s debut solo album with Solo Musica My Dusty Gramophone is available to buy on Amazon and download from iTunes now.

Dunja will also be holding an album launch concert on 20th February 2015, 7:30pm at OSO Arts Centre in Barnes.

For more information you can visit Dunja’s website, as well as following her on Facebook and Twitter.