Ivan Yevstafyevich Khandoshkin (1747 to 1804) was a violinist and composer of Ukrainan-Cossack origin during the Russian Empire. Born in the Ukrainian village Perevoz in 1747, he grew up in a musical family. At the early age, he was introduced to the violin, gudok (traditional string instrument played with the bow) and balalaika instruments (Russian guitar).
Local nobility sent him and sponsored his violin study under the direction of the famous Giuseppe Tartini in Italy. Later he received a professional musical training from famous Italian musicians at the court of Catherine's the Great and soon became one of her favourite violinists.
Khandoshkin was also known for being passionate about Russian traditional music. Most of his compositions are based on Russian folk songs. He wrote several collections of the Variations on the Russian Songs, and was also known as a talented improviser not only on violin but also balalaika and gudok instruments.
Performing these works on a historical violin, Aleksandra Kwiatkowska (1991) is a Polish violinist based in the Netherlands and has taken part in many international concerts both as a soloist and chamber music player.
