Polina Sharafyan is a London-based Armenian violinist whose artistic work encompasses solo, chamber and orchestral performance across a wide range of repertoire, from the Baroque and Classical traditions to Romantic, contemporary and folk music. She is recognised for her expressive playing, distinctive artistic voice and engaging stage presence, establishing a warm and direct connection with audiences.

A dedicated advocate of modern classical music, Polina has premiered works written especially for her by contemporary composers and continues to explore new repertoire alongside the great works of the violin tradition. Her particular interest in Armenian music is reflected in both her performing and educational work, through which she seeks to connect musical heritage with contemporary audiences.

Polina graduated from the Royal Academy of Music in London in 2025, where she studied violin with Professor Levon Chilingirian as a full scholarship holder. Prior to this, she studied with Professor Alexander Kosemyan. She is a recipient of the prestigious Manoukian Award and has been awarded prizes at numerous international competitions and festivals, including the Mimas International Music Competition, the Delphic Games and the Leopold Auer International Violin Competition.

In 2026, Polina was selected as a Fellow of Sinfonia Smith Square, joining the fellowship for its 2026/27 season. As a soloist, she has performed with the ANPO, ASSO, ASCO, French-Armenian Youth Orchestra, Tibor Varga Academy Orchestra and the Klingen Orchestra, among others. Her international performing experience spans the UK, USA, Europe and Asia.

Alongside her performing career, Polina has been involved in music education from an early stage, beginning her teaching career in Armenia and continuing to work with young musicians in both Armenia and the UK. She has worked extensively with children, teaching violin and children’s orchestras and ensembles in different parts of Armenia. She has also taught masterclasses and led educational programmes in Armenia, India, the UK, China and France.

Her educational work forms an important part of her wider commitment to developing the next generation of young musicians. Polina has also been actively involved in chamber music throughout her career. She was a founding member of the Westminster String Quartet at the Royal Academy of Music, with whom she performed extensively in the UK, Armenia and internationally, including a concert tour of China in collaboration with Poly Theatre Management. The ensemble appeared at the New Names Festival and AGBU Concert Hall in Armenia, with significant artistic collaborations involving the festival and the Armenian National Philharmonic Orchestra.

She is also a co-founder of the ArNor Duo, a violin-guitar partnership formed with classical guitarist Arie Dakesian in 2025. The duo combines established masterpieces with contemporary repertoire, with a particular focus on Armenian music, including their interpretation of Komitas’ 14 Folk Miniatures and works by contemporary Armenian composers.

Polina began performing professionally at an early age and has maintained a strong connection with charitable and community-based musical initiatives. As a child, she performed at the Children of Armenia Fund Annual Gala in New York and has continued to participate in charitable concerts throughout her career. Her ongoing work with young musicians across Armenia reflects her commitment to making music education and performance accessible to the next generation.