Ljova

Russian composer and violist LJOVA (also known as Lev Zhurbin) was born in Moscow, in 1978, the son of a composer and a poet. Since moving to New York in 1990, Ljova has made notable accomplishments in varied fields of interest.

As a violist, Ljova enjoys a rich and varied life freelancing in and around New York, and has also performed several times in Europe. While on tour in Italy, Ljova was heard improvising music on the paintings at an exhibition by Swiss-Italian artist, Caio Gracco. Some of this unique event was broadcast on Italian Television, RAI. As an avid performer and enthusiast of contemporary music, Ljova has played with such groups as the Absolute Ensemble, the New Juilliard Ensemble, and has also premiered a number of works by fellow student composers. For three years, Ljova has also been a member of The Wild Ginger Philharmonic, which continues to be a great musical inspiration for him.

As a composer, Ljova has won a number of awards and prizes, including honors from ASCAP and Jacksonville University. His compositions have been widely performed around the world; his "Sonata for Tuba and Piano" will be published by TUBA Press later this year. Ljova's music is varied, colorful, and has a very recognizable personal voice. He takes his inspiration from anything he sees, and anyone he may meet.

Currently, Ljova is a senior in the undergraduate program at the famous Juilliard School, where he is studying viola under the tutelage of Samuel Rhodes. In his spare time, Ljova likes to do arrangements, as well as working on his website, which he invites you to visit.