Athena Octavia

Description

Athena is available for events, concerts, recording sessions, and teaching. For events, Athena can perform on acoustic or electric violin in many different genres, and can create a show-stopping performance completely tailored to the event. She is available as a headline solo act or as part of a group.
Athena is a skilled improviser and able to improvise alongside a DJ in many different genres. With her virtuoso violin improvisations she elevates DJ sets, adding an exciting and fresh live musical element.

Set-List

Athena has a repertoire list available on request, and is also able to learn requests.

Biography

Athena first attempted to pick up her older sister’s (much too big) violin aged 2, and essentially hasn’t put it down since. At the age of 9 she began studying at the Royal College of Music Junior Department. There she won several prizes in piano, violin, and music theory, and studied both jazz and improvisation as well as classical violin and piano.
Athena has been performing regularly since the age of 8 and has played at some of the UK’s most prestigious concert venues, including the Wigmore Hall, the Royal Albert Hall, for the Queen at both Buckingham Palace Gardens and Westminst ... er Hall, for the Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House, and for Princess Michael of Kent at the House of Lords.
At 14, Athena became a member of the National Youth Orchestra where she remained for 4 years, being principal 2nd Violinist and then Co-Leader in her final two. Performing highlights included Mahler’s 9th symphony in the Berlin Konzerthaus and performing alongside her desk partner the 1st desk violin solo at the end of Strauss’ Also Sprach Zarathustra at the Royal Albert Hall.
Athena studied Music at Oxford University, graduating with a First and the highest mark in Performance across her year. Following this she completed an MA in Violin Performance at the Royal Academy of Music, graduating with distinction and in addition being awarded a DipRAM for an outstanding mark in her final recital.
Athena had always enjoyed listening to and experimenting with playing other genres of music besides classical, but it was after she left Oxford that she began taking this more seriously as an avenue for her music-making.
Athena wanted to bring the technical and musical artistry of classical violin to the genres she enjoyed listening to, as well as expand the range of things she could do with the violin. This includes jazz techniques as well as experimenting with technology such as loop pedals.
As well as being a solo performer, she is also a member of a four piece country-pop band, Iris and Steel, who play both original songs and covers.
Athena enjoys tailoring her performances to the client and event and creating an electric atmosphere with her music. Being extremely adept at playing by ear, she is able to take requests even on the spot!
In addition to her violin playing, Athena is a keen pianist, earning distinction in her DipABRSM performance diploma at the age of 16, and does regular accompanying and teaching work on the piano.
She plays a John Wilkinson violin and a green and black Bridge Aquila electric violin. Read More

Reviews     (4 Reviews)

Suitable for

Anniversary Party Awards Ceremony Baby Shower Bachelor / Stag Party Bachelorette / Hen Party Bar / Bat Mitzvah Birthday Party (Adult) Birthday Party (Child) Birthday Party (Teen) Bridal Shower Casinos Charity / Fundraising Event Christening Christmas Party Club Party Cocktail Party / Drinks Reception Community Event Concerts / Tours Conference / Meeting Corporate Event Cruise Ships Dinner Party Engagement Party Festival / Outdoor Event Funeral/Memorial Service Graduation Party Grand Opening Party Halloween Party Hanukkah Celebration High School Reunion HM Forces/Army/Navy/Military Event Holiday / Theme Parks Hotel Event Jewish Wedding New Year's Eve Party Nightclub Event Nursing / Care Home Event Private Party Product Launch / Promotion Prom Night Quinceañera / Sweet 16 Party Restaurant / Bar / Pub Event Retirement Party School Event Social Club Theaters / Stage Trade Show / Exhibitions University / College Event Virtual Event Wedding Ceremony Wedding Cocktail/Drinks Reception Wedding Reception

Additional Information

Insured for Public Liability

Virtual Services Offer

Online Violin/Piano/Music Theory/Aural Skills Lessons

I am a highly experience teacher, and can offer lessons over zoom for £50/hr.

Online Performance

I can do a livestream performance on electric or acoustic violin, so you can enjoy one of my tailor-made performances from your own home!