About

Darius Luke Thompson is a London-based violinist and performer whose work spans theatre, classical music, world music and contemporary projects.

A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, he has worked at Opernhaus Zürich, performed extensively in London’s West End and toured internationally. Primarily a violinist, he also performs on viola and mandolin, and his playing draws on strong classical training alongside improvisation, Balkan music, Turkish makam and a wide range of musical traditions.

His formative teachers included Manny Hurwitz, Hugh Bean and Erich Gruenberg, with further study with Bartek Niziol during his years at Opernhaus Zürich.

A founder member of The Turbans, Darius has developed a distinctive musical voice shaped by global touring, collaboration across cultures and a willingness to move naturally between styles.

Alongside his work with The Turbans, he has featured in productions including Fiddler on the Roof, The Choir of Man and Cirque Alice, and has performed with artists including Björk, Nerina Pallot and Hiba Tawaji.

Growing up in a family of actors gave him an early understanding of stagecraft and live performance. Although always a musician first, he is equally comfortable on stage in projects that require the musician to become a visible part of the performance.

His extensive travels have continued to shape his approach to music, culture and collaboration, and include a solo cycle tour from Tibet to London with his violin, which lead him on a personal pilgrimage to Iran in search of the resting place of a revered dervish master from his family lineage.

Whether performing classical repertoire, improvising, working across musical traditions or creating new work for the stage, Darius brings versatility, musical depth and a strong connection with every live audience.