Composer, writer, illustrator and performer; in these various endeavours, Ivana has worked with many remarkable artists, among them, composers Marian Budos (Slovakia/Australia), Judith Clingan (Australia), Warren Burt (USA/Australia), and the American ‘McLean Mix’, with whom she also recorded a track for their CD, ‘Rainforest Images’. She has also written for, and performed with artists such as Australian guitarist Anthony Field (‘Saffire’ guitar quartet), Slovakian guitarist Jan Labant, Croatian cello prodigy Monika Leskovar, Croatian organist Mario Perestegi, and the ‘Bohdan Warchal’ chamber orchestra of the Slovak Philharmonic.

She has also written and presented many theatrical and dramatic evenings, such as ‘Beloved’, a musical-dramatic instalment of the ‘Seasons of the soul’ project with Leskovar, Labant, Close Harmony Friends and the ‘Warcholovci’; for Croatian poet, philosopher, art curator and editor Ivan Vukoja’s ‘Izbor za Vas’ book launch; and a special evening for the Australian diplomatic community titled ‘Song of Ourselves’, a show that weaves story telling, song and 10 centuries of history, which continues to receive enthusiastic feedback.

Ivana regularly performs for various diplomatic and state functions, and was soloist at the funeral of the First Admiral of Australia’s armed forces, Sir Victor Smith. She has participated at a number of national and international festivals, as well as community events, such as the 2000 Olympics (the ‘Slovakian Fairytale’ project) and performs for a variety of charitable causes. Her work has been performed and broadcast in Europe and Australia, and recorded by a variety of local and foreign classical radio stations.

Due to popular demand, a double album for ‘Seasons of the Soul’, a joint project with her husband, composer Marian Budos, written for choir, ochestra and soloists, will be recorded in the near future. Ivana also studied fine arts and music composition at the Canberra Institute of the arts. At the age of 19 she travelled to a war torn Croatia as a volunteer aid worker. Ivana worked for almost a decade as a music therapist for the disabled and aged. She has also directed a number of church choirs.

Together with producers Maestro Su-Bum Kim of Arirang Opera, Korea, and Jaroslav Stranavsky of Music Master, Slovakia, Ivana and her husband Marian will premiere a newly commissioned musical in Europe and Asia this coming year (2006-7). Talks are also underway for a promotional concert tour of the project in the following year. Official patrons of the project are the President and Minister for Culture of the Slovak republic.

She has a great vocal range and a fine, cultured interpretation. In her compositions she also uses spoken word, whispering and sighs. It was most Intriguing. - Anna Kovarova, ‘Musical Life’, Slovakia

'Despite her relatively young age, she enjoys a fine reputation as musician and composer' - Ludmila Synakova, 'The Slovakian Republic', Slovakia.

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