As a concert pianist, Elena Klionsky performs both solo recitals and as a soloist with orchestras. She has held the esteemed title of a Steinway Artist since 2008, and she has had the privilege of showcasing her talent at many prestigious events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Q1. Please provide us with a brief bio of yourself and your background.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I currently hold the coveted title of a Steinway Artist since 2008.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I began playing piano at the age of five in St. Petersburg where I grew up in. When my family relocated to the United States, I continued my studies in New York at the High School for the Performing Arts and The Juilliard School. I then graduated from Juilliard Pre-College Division, College, and Graduate school.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a student, I performed weekly for many years on the \u201cScience of Mind\u201d programs in Lincoln Center\u2019s Alice Tully Hall, made an appearance on ABC TV\u2019s \u201cPeople, Places, and Things\u201d program, often performed on WNYC radio, and made my orchestral debut at Lincoln Center with the National Music Week Orchestra. I was also named \u201cPromising Young Artist\u201d by the National Foundation For Advancement In The Arts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I then had my professional orchestral debut at the age of 21 with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra in the same program with Itzhak Perlman in front of 15,000 people. Since then, my solo recitals, orchestral appearances, and chamber music and duo piano performances have taken me throughout the United States to Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. In her native country, I have performed with the leading orchestras, including Moscow State Symphony, St. Petersburg Camerata, Ural Philharmonic Orchestra and Russian Federal Orchestra. I was also the first foreigner to open the annual \u201cMoscow Stars\u201d Festival in the Great Hall of the Moscow Conservatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite undergoing eleven hand and shoulder surgeries after an accident, I persevered and built a vast repertoire which includes music of Beethoven, Mozart, Chopin, Schubert and Liszt as well as Scriabine, Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Rachmaninoff and my favorite American composer, Vincent Persichetti. Composers from several countries have written music for me to perform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I have played numerous concerts in support of different charities including Elizabeth Taylor\u2019s Concert For AIDS, Isaac Stern\u2019s birthday celebration for the Ben Gurion University, Operation Exodus for the United Jewish Appeal and a great deal more!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I recently had the honor of performing a 2-hour concert at the White House as part of the \u201cNational Treasures\u201d events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q2. What led you to become a talent\/artist\/influencer\/performer\/current profession?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I began playing the piano like any other child – my mother thought it was a good idea. I was very lucky to be surrounded by inspirational people and by the age of ten, I had to make a very grown-up decision, we were emigrating to the United States and my parents told me to let them know whether I am ready to dedicate my life to music or not. If yes, we will take our upright piano with us. It did not take me long to decide that I loved music too much to quit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q3. Tell us more about your studio\/company\/academy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I am a concert pianist and perform solo recitals as well as a soloist with orchestras. I love to learn new music and bring it to my audience!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q4. What skills have you learned that will help you in your result and\/or performance?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I studied in the best music conservatory in the world – The Juilliard School. I entered The Juilliard at the age of ten and continued my studies there until I earned my Bachelor’s and Masters degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This great institution teaches absolutely every aspect of music and prepares you for the professional life ahead. From learning all about your instrument and your instrument’s repertoire, to stage presence, concentration and musicality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q5. What is your own definition of an impressive performance\/show\/masterpiece<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n An impressive and successful performance for me means that I learned the music well and was able to express it in such a way that it touched people’s hearts. My ideal performance would take my listeners out of their everyday lives and make them feel something unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q6. What is your creative or ideation process like?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I start any piece of music by learning the notes, reading about the composer and what they were going through at the time they composed this piece, then trying to find similar feelings within me, and finally try to express the feelings in such a strong and convincing way that my listener experiences the same feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q7. What has been the best performance of your career so far?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The best and most memorable performance in my life was a two-hour concert at the White House. Being an immigrant brought such feelings of pride as well as a determination to do the best job I can possibly do. At times, as I looked away from the piano to my surroundings, I felt tears running down my cheeks. I put so much into that performance and I believe the audience felt it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q8. Describe the worst performance you have seen. What would you change about it?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As I got older and had more performances, I learned what I should or should not do before concerts. Every person is different so certain things I had to learn on my own. I learned through experience how I should spend the day before my performance or the hours before. I learned what foods I can eat before I perform and how much time I need to spend alone to focus. I learned all these things only by trial and error so many early performances had lack of focus or memory lapses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q9. Congratulations! As the winner of LIT Talent Awards, what does it mean to you, or your team, to receive this honor?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For me, this award at this time in my life means the world to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After so many years of performing, I had an accident in 2016 that resulted in 13 surgeries on my hands, arms and shoulders. I had to re-learn how to play the piano and this experience left me insecure and lost. My CD, FORMAS DEL TIEMPO, which was recorded after these numerous surgeries won the LIT Music Awards in 3 categories!<\/p>\n\n\n\n I feel like this award gave me the inner strength to never give up. I am sure that this recognition will also help bolster my career and open many new doors for performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Q10. How has winning an international award help promote you and\/or your masterpiece?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So far receiving recognition from the LIT Music Awards really impressed many people. I hope this will lead to new opportunities and performances. I now have a tangible recognition to show to people and it truly speaks volumes. I am very grateful to LIT Music Awards!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Weeks after I composed this piece, I suffered the most tragic loss of my life: Both my parents passed \u2026 (Read more at LIT Talent Awards.<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n