Biography
Alda Dizdari
An Albanian-born British violinist whose work joins virtuosity with storytelling, teaching and a belief in music’s power to transform.
Artist profile
A life shaped by the violin
Alda Dizdari is an outstanding musician of immense diversity. Since her triumphant Wigmore Hall debut she has appeared at major concert venues across the UK and has been a regular guest on BBC Radio 3 and Radio 4.
Born into a family of musicians in Albania, she left home at an early age to pursue her career. She studied in Romania, completed a master’s degree at the University of Illinois, and continued advanced studies at London’s Guildhall School of Music and Drama with David Takeno, where she held a Leverhulme String Fellowship.
Selected by Gramophone as “One to Watch”, Alda has released acclaimed recordings, performed internationally, toured solo programmes across the UK and brought Elgar’s Violin Concerto to audiences in Eastern Europe.
Performance, education and community
Alongside her solo career, Alda is a devoted chamber musician and teacher. She has worked with the Allegri String Quartet, Ensemble de la Chapelle St Mark, Ensemble Modern and Pierre Boulez, and teaches at the Purcell School and Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
She founded DEA Music Academy in Southwark to help children—including young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with learning difficulties—reach higher goals through rigorous, supportive musical training.
Alda plays a G. B. Ceruti violin made in Cremona in 1791, purchased for her by a private sponsor, and a Dominique Peccatte bow on loan from the Stradivari Trust.
“Such vivid, imaginative, brilliant playing is rare indeed.”
Tim Homfray · The Strad ↗
“A remarkable talent.”
Duncan Druce · Gramophone ↗
“A perfect servant of the music.”
Sir Noel Malcolm
“A moving story, told with refreshing openness and honesty.”
Julian Haylock · The Strad ↗