Ava Shadmani is a violinist and educator with a deep passion for connecting people through music. She currently serves as the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, where she develops programs that inspire and welcome people of all ages and backgrounds into the world of music.

Ava’s career reflects her dedication to both performance and education. As a versatile musician, she has performed extensively across Iran, Europe, and North America, collaborating with a diverse range of artists and ensembles. In 2021, she was awarded the David and Edith Sinaiko Frank Fellowship for a Woman in the Arts for her project Unheard Voices of Iran. This initiative highlights folk-inspired compositions by Iranian composers, aiming to foster an understanding between cultures often perceived as divided—East and West, Ancient and Modern.

In August 2024, Ava released her debut album, I Will Greet the Sun Again, featuring solo and chamber works by five contemporary composers whose music draws on Iranian folk traditions. The album has been celebrated for its unique approach to bridging cultural divides and bringing underrepresented voices to a global audience.

Originally from Tehran, Iran, Ava began playing the violin at the age of 11. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from the University of Tehran and moved to the United States in 2016 to further her studies. She earned her Master of Music in Violin Performance at the University of Maryland, where she received the Smith Scholarship, and later completed her Doctor of Musical Arts in Violin Performance at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. There, she studied with David Perry of the Pro Arte Quartet and participated in the Hunt Quartet, a fellowship that combined performance with outreach in local schools.

Teaching has always been central to Ava’s career. Over the past decade, she has worked with students of all ages, creating learning environments that are engaging, accessible, and tailored to individual needs. As a violin faculty member at the VSO School of Music, she continues to share her knowledge and passion, helping students develop both technical proficiency and a deeper connection to music.