Aiste's biography

Aiste Dvarionaite – the fourth generation of musicians

Aiste Dvarionaite was literally born into the world full of sounds of music as she belongs to one of the most famous dynasties of musicians of Lithuania - that of the Dvarionas dynasty. Both her paternal grandparents were piano professors at Vilnius Musical Academy, and not only: the grandfather, Balys Dvarionas, was also a known composer and the Vilnius Philharmonic Symphony orchestra conductor. Aldona Dvarionaite, Aiste’s aunt, was a famous pianist, especially adored in Poland. Aiste’s brother Justas Dvarionas is a pianist. He is also the current Vice President for International Competitions, EMCY - Union of MusicCompetitions for Youth – a network of over fifty national and international music competitions for young people across Europe. 

Aiste’s father Jurgis Dvarionas is a well-known professor of violin at Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Prof Jurgis Dvarionas was brought up by Prof Boris Belenky at the Moscow State Conservatory who was trained by another stellar violinist Lev Zeitlin. In turn, Zeitlin was a student of the very famous Leopold Auer – the greatest violin teacher of all times. No wonder, that Aiste has followed in her family footsteps and is fostering the best traditions of the best violin school.


From left to right: Justas Dvarionas, Aiste Dvarionaite, Aldona Dvarionaite, Jurgis Dvarionas


Playing violin since the age of four

Aiste’s training began when she was just 4 years old. Gradually, Aiste started playing with various Lithuanian and international orchestras and giving recitals since she was only 6. She has played for the lovers of music in many countries. While still a student at the National Ciurlionis School of Art and later at Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre, she was learning mastery under the guidance of many famous violinists: Prof. Zenon Brzewski, Prof. Alexander Fisher, Prof. Marina Jashwili, Prof. Wolfgang Marschner, Prof. Sergey Kravchenko.


Clipping from a newspaper: Aiste (8 years) performing with the orchestra live on the Lithuanian National TV 

'Music is the essence of my life'

Aiste has participated in many international projects and has taught at international seminars in Russia, France, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Spain. Moreover, she performed solo with Minsk Chamber Orchestra, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra, Lithuanian National Philharmonic Orchestra, Lithuanian Music Academy Chamber Orchestra and was on European tour with the Junges Stuttgarter Bach Ensemble. 

Aiste Dvarionaite bewitches her listeners by the warmth and elegance of her playing, as well as by the highest artistic level of phrasing. "Music is the essence of my life", says Aiste. In late 2008, the artist together with her family settled in London where she continuous her professional career and shares the pleasure of teaching with gifted children and students.

As of September 2018, Mrs Aiste Dvarionaite has also started teaching violin at The Purcell School. 


Member of judging panel

Since 2010 Aiste has been a member of the judging panel of National Dvarionas Music Competition for Young Pianists and Violinists which takes place in Vilnius, Lithuania and is visiting her homeland regularly hence supporting the young musicians of the future. From 2020 Aiste Dvarionaite is also joining the jury panel of International Balys Dvarionas Competition for Young Pianists and Violinists.

Aiste reviewing the CVs of the contestants 


Aiste performing at one of her the master-classes


Aiste performing in Purcell School wither her brother Justas


Aiste performing with Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra