One of the UK’s most innovative and creative violinists, Olivia is dedicated to jazz and classical Indian music, while also drawing influence from flamenco, gypsy and folk. She leads two bands,the Owl Ensemble and Unfurl.

After giving her first performance at the age of four, she spent her childhood and teen years mastering classical music before going on to explore the art of improvisation. She graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999; B.Mus (Hons) in Academic Studies (2.1). However, at 21, inspired by a jazz summer school at the Guildhall School of music, she discovered the art of improvisation. This propelled her into a postgraduate diploma at Leeds College of Music (Distinction in 2002). At Leeds, her curiosity drew her to many different styles of music. After graduation she spent two years performing with the Indian fusion band Savateen, playing their own original works. Highlights were the Brno Street festival in the Czech Republic and at the Millennium Park and Birla Temple, in Calcutta. In 2005, she decided to follow her dream by going to India to study with violin maestro Kala Ramnath, which became the first of many visits to the country. In her most recent visit she learnt how to perform a classical Indian recital of forty five minutes which includes Rag Bihag and Rag Manj Khamaj.

Projects - Olivia has played twice at Glastonbury festival with flamenco guitarist Nick Wilkinson as well as collaborating with Graham Clark, Seaming To, Kirsty Almeida, OdBod Collective. The Owl Ensemble, comprising a string quartet and a jazz trio has been described as inventive, subverting classical traditions. They premiered at Manchester Jazz Festival in 2008 and are excited to be performing at Contact Theatre 20th July this year. They have most recently recorded an album, Owl, bringing their amazing fusion of the classical string quartet with the jazz trio. The result is an original collection of rhythmic and melodic tunes, integrating east and west. Take a taste here! Her second band, Unfurl is an innovative quintet who collaborate, drawing from their diverse influences of Jazz, Indian and Arabic rhythms. They have appeared at Manchester, Marsden, Marlborough and Brecon Jazz Festivals. Unfurl’s compositions are inspired by nature and Buddhist ideals. Olivia is also currently working with Glenn Sharp’s Jadid Ensemble. Awards - In January 2007, Olivia was awarded a research and development grant from The Arts Council England for a collaboration between her band Unfurl and a video artist. In 2009 she was commissioned by Manchester Jazz Festival and produced ‘Mask’, a collaboration between Unfurl and video artist Mark Cameron Minard. In 2009 Olivia was one of eight musicians in the country to be selected to be a participant of the Serious Take Five artist development scheme.

Classical Indian Music - She has performed internationally with tabla players Mukesh Jadhav from Pune, Kousic Sen from UK and has given solo recitals in the UK. From 2005–2009 she played with Tarang, the National South Asian Music Ensemble in venues such as The Bridgewater Hall and The Purcell Room. She has recently collaborated with bansuri player Lisa Mallett and sitarist Jonathan Meyer at the Shambala Festival in 2010. She also plays concerts with Razwan Sarwar and Mohinder Singh.

Animation UK 5 min 49 sec
Sarah Beeby, Director / Producer / Writer
Anna Elizabeth Eijsbouts, Animator

The Natural Order of Things Hiding in this desert there are strange and dangerous animals. Philip must take the opportunity when it comes. An extra-terrestial encounter.

The San Francisco Independant Film Festival 2012, London Short Film Festival 2012 , Short and Sweet Film Festival 2011 (Toronto, Canada), WOW Film Festival 2012 – Winner Best International Animation.

Drama Sweden 13 min 10 sec
Elinor Isenberg, Director / Producer / Writer
Margareta Lagerqvist, Editor
Rebecca Moen, Production Designer

Snygga Brost: Cupcakes A new girl Anna begins work in a popular café. She challenges the tough leader Isabella. How does she dare? One of the girls has a big secret, but is she the only one? A poignant conclusion. Stars Alice Stenstrom, Julia Kvarnberg.

WOW Film Festival 2012

Comedy USA 18 min 7 sec
Becca Louisell, Producer
Ali Scher, Director / Co-writer
Tricia Roberts, Vanessa Leon, Production Designer

The Maiden & the Princess Little Emmy kisses a girl at the playground. She’s sent a hetero-normative fairytale to set her down the “right” path in life. With the help of her fairy godmother and her rogue fairytale narrator will Emmy be able to find her true self? Stars Tallulah Wayman-Harris.

Palm Springs International Short Fest 2011 (USA), Flicker: Rhode Island International Film Festival 2011 (USA), Outfest Film Festival 2011 (Los Angeles, USA), Hollyshorts 2011 (Los Angeles, USA), WOW Film Festival 2012 – Winner Best International Fiction