User:Julija Okrusko/sandbox

Julija Okrusko (1983–2021) was a classical violinist, fantasy violin music composer and performer.

Biography
Julija was born in Vilnius, Lithuania in 1983 and have started her violin studies at M. K. Ciurlionis arts school in Vilnius. During her study years, she has won prizes at numerous violin competitions, such as the 3rd prize at the International W.A.Mozart Competition in Riga (Latvia), 1st prize at the National J.Fledzinskis Competition in Vilnius, Lithuania; the 1st prize at the National Chamber Music Competition „Pavasario Sonata" ("Spring Sonata") in Vilnius, Lithuania; and 1st prize at the International A.Glazounov Competition in Paris, France. In 2002, Julija started her studies at the Lithuanian Music and Theatre Academy with the violin professor Undine Jagelaite. While an undergraduate student at the Academy, Julija was awarded the Landsbergis Scholarship, and invited to perform with the Lithuanian State Symphony Orchestra. In 2003, Julija was featured at the International Holland Music Sessions festival. Julija has performed in Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Denmark, Holland, Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Turkey, USA as a soloist and member of chamber ensembles. In September 2005, Julija became a graduate violin performance student in the class of Dana Mazurkevich in Boston University College of Fine Arts, School of Music, where she received her Master's Degree (2008), and Performance Diploma (2009). In Boston, Julija was awarded the Gran-Prix at the J.S.Bach Competition.

Composition
Julija actively collaborated with film and visual media producers. She has composed original music since 2011, and her solo album "Legends: Fantasy Violin" received nominations from Hollywood Music in Media Awards in Best Classical, Best Instrumental/Orchestral, and Best New Age categories. Combining live and synthetic instruments in the production process, Julija has written for symphony orchestra and choir, and created soundtracks and arrangements for film, advertising, concert and ballet performances. Her music was featured at FantasyCon in Salt Lake City, Utah, and performed live by Claflin Hill Symphony Orchestra and New World Chorale.

New England String Quartet
Julija was a founding member and first violinist of the New England String Quartet, performing extensively in Boston and the New England area. The quartet made their debut atWeill Recital Hall, Carnegie Hall, and has been featured in concert series across New England including 3rd Sundays @ 3, Menotomy, Bach's Lunch, Parma Music Festival, and the Chromatic Club of Boston. The quartet's discography includes "Quadrants: Modern String Quartets" (2012, Navona Records), "Perceptions: Points of View for Small Ensemble" (2013, Navona Records), "Allusions" (2013, Navona Records), "Unbridled – Chamber Works by Sergio Cervetti" (2014, Navona Records), "Sarah Wallin Huff: Soul of the Machine" (2014, Navona Records), "Scott Pender: 88+12″ (2014, Navona Records), "Darkness to Light – The Music of Jeffrey Jacob" (2014, Navona Records). In 2012 the quartet became the ensemble-in-residence at Harvard University's Dudley House and actively participates in community outreach and music education programs presenting performances, chamber music coaching, and lectures.