Daria Gorban performs on an exceptional historical violin: an anonymous instrument built in Germany, from the Füssen school, dating from the mid-18th century, bearing a David Tecchler, Rome (Italy), 1706 label.This violin can be heard on numerous recordings by Ensemble Violini Capricciosi and in concerts across Europe, where its warm, expressive tone plays a central role in the ensemble’s distinctive sound.
Daria Gorban is a Russian-Dutch violinist specialising in both modern and historically informed performance. She graduated as a solo violinist from the Moscow State Conservatory in 2004 and later completed postgraduate studies in baroque and classical violin at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. Since 2005, she has been based in the Netherlands.
From an early age, Daria Gorban showed exceptional talent, winning First Prize at the Young Talent Competition in Russia and Third Prize at the Russian Heritage Competition. She received several grants from the Russian Heritage Foundation and performed extensively throughout Europe, appearing at festivals in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Switzerland, and Russia.
She has collaborated with many renowned ensembles, including Violini Capricciosi, Music ad Rhenum, Florilegium, The Apollo Ensemble, La Primavera, Cappella Maria Barbara, The Northern Consort, Concerto Moscow, and the Van Swieten Society. From 2007 until 2020, she served as second concertmaster of the Bach Orchestra of the Netherlands, performing over 100 concerts per year, frequently at the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. In this role, she appeared as soloist, led the second violin section in major works such as the Matthäus-Passion, and participated in numerous recordings, including the award-winning film Erbarme Dich by Ramón Gieling.
Since 2020, Daria Gorban’s artistic focus has centred on Ensemble Violini Capricciosi, which she co-directs together with violinist Igor Ruhadze. The ensemble has become a recognised presence in the Dutch and international early-music scene. Together they have recorded several major projects for Brilliant Classics, including Locatelli – Complete Works (21 CDs), Leclair – Complete Violin Concertos, Nardini – Complete Music for Two Violins, and Boccherini – Complete Duets for Two Violins. These recordings have received outstanding international reviews, with the Boccherini set nominated for the Preis der deutschen Schallplattenkritik.
Alongside her performing career, Daria Gorban plays an active role in the cultural life of Almere through Almere Klassiek. She is involved in concert series, educational projects, and public outreach initiatives, including the monthly concert, lectures and masterclasses, where she introduces audiences to musical styles, historical context, and violin technique.
She regularly appears as soloist, chamber musician, and concertmaster in programmes ranging from Baroque to Contemporary repertoire and continues to prepare new recital programmes, national and international tours, and long-term recording projects, including works by Telemann and Geminiani.
