We are honored to introduce Professor Vera Ivanova—internationally recognized composer, distinguished educator, and award-winning artist—as a distinguished member of the Stella Unica International Young Composers Competition jury.

Professor Ivanova received her musical education at three of the world’s renowned institutions: the Moscow State Tchaikovsky Conservatory, the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, and the Eastman School of Music. Her compositions have been performed throughout Russia, Europe, and the United States, earning recognition for their originality, expressive depth, and imaginative use of contemporary musical language.

Her many honors include the ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composer Award, First Prize in Category A at the International Contest of Acousmatic Compositions Métamorphoses in Belgium, Third Prize at the International Mozart Competition, and an Honorable Mention at the Bourges Electroacoustic Music Competition. She was also awarded the André Chevillion–Yvonne Bonnaud Composition Prize at the Eighth International Piano Competition of Orléans in France and was named the winner of the 2013 Donald Aird Composers Competition.

Professor Ivanova’s music has been published by Universal Edition and released on recordings by Navona Records, Ablaze Records, Quartz Music, Centaur Records, and Musiques & Recherches. Her works reflect a broad artistic vision that brings together acoustic and electroacoustic traditions, intellectual precision, and a vivid sense of musical expression.

Before joining Chapman University, Professor Ivanova served as Assistant Professor of Music Theory and Composition at the Setnor School of Music at Syracuse University. She joined the College of Performing Arts at Chapman University in 2007 and currently serves as Associate Professor of Music. She is also a faculty member at the Colburn School, where she continues to guide and inspire emerging musicians and composers.

A dedicated educator and accomplished composer, Professor Ivanova brings to the jury extensive professional experience, artistic insight, and a deep commitment to nurturing creativity in young musicians.

We are proud to welcome Professor Vera Ivanova to the Stella Unica jury and are honored to have her exceptional artistry, international experience, and dedication to the next generation of composers as part of our inaugural competition.