Julia Kwolyk

Julia Kwolyk's recent collaborations include fiddling alongside Bluegrass powerhouse Danny Knicely at the Richmond Folk Festival (2025), playing "Chichester Psalms" with The Virginia Consort (2026), and singing in the chorus of Charlottesville Opera's "The Music Man" (2024).  With a crystal voice, she extends her technique across folk and jazz genres, having been featured as a soloist with the University of Virginia Jazz Band and Virginia Oratorio Society, making repeat appearances on voice and violin at Appaloosa Festival, and Washington D.C.'s "Ireland at the Wharf" with Ben-David Warner. At age 21 she opened for the acclaimed Battlefield Band on fiddle.  An improvisational artist, Julia has recorded on countless albums and small independent film projects. She is very excited about her current project: a solo album of original music, reflecting her Christian faith and life's relationships.  It is set to be released in 2026.  

Hailing originally from Waukesha, Wisconsin, Julia Kwolyk started playing the violin at the age of 3.  At 17, she was fortunate to participate in Boston University's Tanglewood Institute Orchestra. Influenced by the folk music of her Ukrainian father and the Celtic music community in Boston, Julia branched out from her classical training after high school, enjoying the communal and dance-centered aspect of rich folk traditions.  She received a B.A. in Voice from Furman University, where she sang across the country with The Boston Pops on their Holiday Pops tour.  Beginning her performance career in Boston, she has continued collaborating with many Classical and folk musicians since relocating to Charlottesville in 2012. Skilled in harmony, improvisation, and arranging, she enjoys composing and story-telling through music.

Ongoing projects include a decade-long co-writing relationship with singer-songwriter Matthew McAllister, and an annual Celtic Christmas Tour with talented multi-instrumentalist Ben-David Warner (Scythian). 

Stay in touch by joining Julia's mailing list on the home page. This will notify of upcoming shows and events!