Lev Zhurbin, known professionally as Ljova, is a composer and violist born on August 18, 1978, in Moscow, Soviet Union. He immigrated to the United States in 1990 and began his career with the release of Vjola: World on Four Strings in 2006. He authored over 70 original compositions for classical, jazz, and folk music ensembles, and contributed musical scores to numerous documentaries, features, shorts, and animated films. Notable collaborations include commissions from the Louisville Orchestra, City of London Sinfonia, Brooklyn Rider, and Yo-Yo Ma's Silk Road Project. His work features arrangements for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and collaborations with artists such as Gustavo Santaolalla and Ricky Martin. He released several albums, including Melting River (2007).
