Ivan started the cello at an early age eventually taking up cello studies with Leonard Stehn at the Guildhall School of Music.
Joining the Reggae Philharmonic Orchestra at age 17, Ivan played on two of their albums and began a career as a session cellist, where he has arranged and played on well over 300 albums and singles including UK and US hits by: Mick Jagger, Incognito, Maxi Priest, Take That, Wet Wet Wet, Third World, The Lighthouse Family, Soul II Soul, Gabrielle, Annie Lennox, Jay-Z and many others. He also spent time touring with Duran Duran, Gabrielle, The Lighthouse family, Smoke City, Snow Patrol and Natacha Atlas respectively.
Ivan lived for several years in the Middle East where he worked as a musician and session player, absorbing the music of the region.
Back in the UK, Ivan started the Celloman project, a World-Fusion band, composing music of rich tapestries using the variety of musical influences of his travels and musical encounters.
After six albums and numerous gigs both internationally and in the UK, Ivan is currently presenting the 7th Celloman album entitled Arpezzato Cello, which features a new style of cello playing.
Ivan completed a Masters in music composition and now, alongside performance, spends time composing, producing, arranging and releasing records on the independent label: Jambila Music, where he is a director.