Nirvana, Year 9, performs in professional recording of The Lark Ascending
At the end of last year, Eltham College’s Music Department released a recording of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ celebrated work The Lark Ascending featuring Year 9 student and musical phenomenon, Nirvana. The recording, which is now available on Spotify and Apple Music, was produced in July 2024, when Nirvana was still only 13 years old.
“To be performing this level, at such a young age, is truly remarkable”, says Sebastian Johns, Director of Music at Eltham College, whose idea it was to record The Lark Ascending in this version for Violin and Organ in July last year, and who produced the recording. “The professionalism of her playing, but also the style and individuality, suggest a player well beyond her years, and I have no doubt whatsoever that Nirvana is a violinist to watch for the future, with big things ahead of her.”
Nirvana first performed this piece with our Symphony Orchestra at Blackheath Halls in March 2024 when she was in Year 8. She earned this opportunity after becoming the youngest ever winner of the Concerto Competition – an impressive feat, especially considering our strong musical tradition. Two-thirds of our pupils play an instrument, over 50 ensembles rehearse every week, and many of our Music Scholars attend junior conservatoires in London.
“I’m so excited to be releasing my first recording,” says Nirvana. “It was such a great experience, and I’m so grateful to the Music Department at Eltham for supporting me and for giving me the opportunity to do a professional recording. I can’t quite believe my name is now on Spotify!”
Nirvana’s love for the violin began at age six. By 10, she had achieved distinction in Grade 8, and in Year 6, she was awarded her diploma. At just 11, she became leader of the National Children’s Orchestra and is now a 1st Violinist with the National Youth Orchestra, as well as studying at the Junior Department of the Royal College of Music.
Nirvana’s musical journey has already included some incredible moments: last April, she was the only UK violinist to reach the live rounds of the prestigious International Balys Dvarionas competition in Lithuania, and just a month later she performed as a soloist at the Royal Albert Hall with the All Souls Orchestra during Prom Praise 2024; she was also a finalist in the Chicago International Violin Competition in December, one of only two violinists from the UK.
Additionally, Nirvana is being loaned an extraordinary 18th-century Klotz violin and a Peccatte bow by the Cherubim Music Trust. Instruments of this quality are usually reserved for conservatoire students, but Nirvana’s skill at just 14 convinced the Trust she was the perfect choice.
Music isn’t the only thing Nirvana excels at! She also represents the school in swimming and water polo, and in Year 8, she achieved a Grade 9 in her GCSE Maths – an amazing result.
Nirvana’s journey is a testament to her hard work, passion, and the incredible support she receives from our Music Department. We are so proud of all that she has achieved.
Watch Nirvana’s story and learn more about her incredible journey:
