A life in Music
I was incredibly fortunate to begin music lessons at the age of six and after years of practice and dedication, I decided at fifteen that I wanted to become a violinist and pursue the life of a classical performer. This led me to study music at institutions across Ukraine, where I developed skills that have been essential to becoming a career musician. Over time, I began to think about my own artistic vision, seeking a deeper understanding of my unique relationship with music.
Who am I as an artist? This question was always there in front of me, and as time has passed the answer has evolved.
Today I continue to explore the nature of my relationship with art, but two themes have come increasingly into focus. First, being a musician is about being an individual. We are all drawn to music for different reasons, and the ways it shapes our lives can take many forms. As we explore our individuality through music, the challenge is to share what we find with the audience bringing them into our private experience. Second, It is by connecting with people's hearts and souls that artistic creations truly come to life, become something beautiful, and take on a greater meaning.
I started down this path in my home country of Ukraine. After years of study and performing, I moved to the United Arab Emirates, where I continued to perform, create, and teach. I am now based in Canada, where the journey continues!
I am grateful that I had a chance to shape my musical taste within the European classical tradition, and I deeply admire the rich legacy of artists this tradition represents. To name only a few - A. Vivaldi, J.S. Bach, J. Haydn, J.Sibelius, P.I. Tchaikovsky, K. Saint-Saens, S. Prokofiev, M. Lysenko, B. Bartok, but there are so many more.
I enjoy performing a variety or genres including traditional music across world cultures, instrumental cinematic, arrangements of blues, jazz, pop, and even film soundtracks.
Improvising and arranging music on violin with loop pedals is one of my favourite styles. I have recorded and released some original compositions, and have more coming soon!
I have performed at a wide range of venues, both large and small, including outdoor public stages at the Dubai Shopping Festival (December 2021), Dubai Tunes (January 2023), and the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi (November 2022). I have also performed at Summer at Ship Point in Victoria, BC (August 2024, September 2025), and at the Opening Ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai (October 2021). My experience includes residencies as a performing musician at Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Address Dubai Mall, and the Taj Palm Jumeirah Hotel, as well as countless private events across the UAE and Canada — from corporate and gala dinners to weddings and intimate creative music nights.
I have done collaborative projects within a broad range of musical styles including: violin & piano duos, string ensembles, orchestras, multi-genre ensembles and instrumental fusion bands.
You can find more of my music on Spotify and my YouTube channel, as well as follow my Instagram for ongoing updates.
kolibaba.olena@gmail.com