Athena Octavia is one of the UK’s leading acoustic and electric violinists, classically
trained at Oxford University and the Royal Academy of Music whilst also able to
switch effortlessly between genres and styles.
Her performances on acoustic and electric violin have taken her all over the world, including Monaco, Mexico, Dubai, Ibiza, and India, and in concert halls such as the 02 Arena, the Wigmore Hall, Cadogan Hall, The Konzerthaus Berlin, the
Royal Albert Hall, as well as venues including Sexy Fish Mayfair, Park Row, The Savoy Hotel, and TheFour Seasons (London and Paris).
She has a wealth of experience with both corporate and private clients including Jet Blue, BCG, Porsche, and MOUAWAD to name a few, as well as luxury weddings and private events in the UK and abroad.
Athena is also an in-demand session player, having performed for artists in session and live work, including Ed Sheeran, Ron Pope, Sonique, YUNGBLUD and is now a regular touring member of the folk-rock band Steeleye Span. Athena is a keen country fiddle player and embarked on a tour of Western Australia this February with the country show 'Dreamin of Nashville'.
Whether it's a wedding, ball, corporate launch, party or any other special event, Athena will bring her unique combination of versatility, passion, elegance and fun to create a show-stopping performance tailor made to the client to make the day one to remember.
Athena offers a variety of performance packages on both acoustic and electric violin and loves working with you to help your vision come to life with music!
About Athena
Athena began playing the violin and piano at the age of 5 and later studied at the Royal College of Music (JD), where she was awarded prizes in violin, theory and piano, before graduating from Oxford University and the Royal Academy of Music with distinction and outstanding marks in her final recitals.
In 2023, Athena led a bespoke string quartet resident for 6 months at Josette Dubai and helped curate performances from electric string trios to classical string quartet performances, and even a Trap Piano trio performance (where Athena played piano) for the artist Sasha Belair. Their string quartet has since founded 'Azul Strings' a female string collective who are dazzling audiences with their acoustic and electric string ensembles.
She leads the resident String Quartet of Whiddon Autumn Festival, where she assists in programming and regularly leads Brixton Chamber Orchestra for performances across London including their Estates Tours and Brixton ‘Colours and Cultures’ Festival.
Athena also plays freelance in orchestras across London, including Fantasia Orchestra, who she performed with at the BBC Proms 2024, and City of London Sinfonia.
Athena is an original member of the indie-folk band, Iris and Steel, who were hand-picked by George Ezra to perform at Latitude Festival, and is now a regular touring member of the pioneering Folk-Rock band Steeleye Span, featuring on backing vocals and violin on their recent albums. Athena is a member of the country show 'Dreamin' of Nashville'.
Athena is also a talented pianist and has performed piano at the Wigmore Hall. She regularly plays keys for original artists across London (including recently both keys and violin for Sonique) as well as performing for afternoon tea at the Georgian, Harrods, and has recently filmed scenes as the pianist in an upcoming Thea Sharrock film starring Rosamund Pike and Sacha Baron Cohen.
She plays a Bridge Green and Black Electric Violin, an Aurora 5-String LED Electric Violin, and a John Wilkinson Violin.
