Lydia Kavina

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Kavina at age nine with Léon Theremin in the 1970s

Lydia Kavina (born September 8, 1967) is a Russian virtuoso of the theremin.

The niece of one of Léon Theremin's first-degree cousins, Kavina was born in Moscow and began studying the theremin under the direction of Theremin when she was nine years old. Five years later she was ready to give her first theremin concert, which marked the beginning of a musical career that has so far led to more than 500 theatre, radio and television performances throughout the world.

In addition to giving concerts, Kavina is a composer of music for theremin and teaches the instrument in Russia, the United States and Western Europe. Together with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, she played theremin for Howard Shore's sound track of the Oscar-winning film Ed Wood, as well as for eXistenZ (also by Shore) and The Machinist. Additionally, Kavina has recorded several compact discs and is the subject of an instructional video from theremin manufacturer Big Briar. She was also featured in stage productions such as Alice and The Black Rider (both conceived and directed by Robert Wilson, with music by Tom Waits), and The Little Mermaid, a ballet by John Neumeier.