Ella Zirina (1997) is a jazz guitarist and composer from Latvia, with a passion for the different textures and timbres of her instrument. Her compositions are build out of melodic improvisations, resulting in a personal and emotional sonic environment.
After studying piano until the age of 17, Ella switched to guitar studies, channeling her broad musical influences. From Alexander Scriabin to Joni Mitchell and from Led Zeppelin to Bill Evans, Jim Hall and Wes Montgomery. Determined and passionate, she left Latvia and pursued a bachelor degree in Jazz in Amsterdam.
In 2021, Ella graduated with the highest honors at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, having studied with Jesse van Ruller, Reinier Baas, Maarten van der Grinten and Martijn van Iterson among others.
Ella has played in Jong Metropole and NJJO and has worked and performed with talented musicians as Tineke Postma, Ben van Gelder, Jesse van Ruller, Reinier Baas, Sun-Mi Hong, Pablo Held, Frans van der Hoeven and Mark Alban Lotz. During masterclasses, she has shared the stage with John Scofield and Peter Bernstein.

Ella Zirina Trio
Ella Zirina Trio, the 1st prize wininers at the Virtual Jazz Club Competition 2021
Expanding on Ella’s passion for texture, the Ella Zirina Trio adds double bass and drums into the mix to create a rich and colorful compositions. The trio started their journey together after meeting as students on the Conservatorium van Amsterdam. David Macchione (Italy) on the double bass, Eloi Pascual Nogue (Spain) on drums and Ella Zirina (Latvia) on the guitar interweave their own musical characters with one another.
The Ella Zirina Trio has participated in the Expression of Art Award 2020 and this year Ella was awarded the first prize in the Virtual Jazz Competition 6th Edition. In the words of the Virtual Jazz Competition jury: