Prohorova Olya

About

Olya Prohorova, a remarkable violinist from the Republic of Moldova, began her musical journey in her native country, under the guidance of pedagogue Svetlana Balaescu, winning awards at numerous international competitions in Europe. She continued her studies at the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University, in the USA, where she studied with Mark Lakirovich, becoming concertmaster of the CCPA Symphony Orchestra and the CCPA Chamber Orchestra, as well as the CCPA Baroque Orchestra. Her solo and ensemble career includes collaborations with orchestras from North America, Europe, and Japan, under renowned conductors such as Jean-Philippe Tremblay, Markand Thakar, Tomasz Bugaj, and Gabriel Bebeșelea, distinguishing herself through versatility in styles from baroque to folk and rock. In 2013, Olya Prohorova founded the duo Hanauta with Japanese flutist Erina Koyasu, the product of a friendship born during their studies in Chicago, with the aim of promoting Japanese and Eastern European music. Composed of violin and flute, the ensemble performs an eclectic repertoire, from baroque to modern and popular compositions, transcribing melodies from their countries of origin. Hanauta released its first album, "Songs from the Motherland," that autumn, marking a promising debut on the international circuit, with local and global performances. Based in the United States, Olya Prohorova also performs with local ensembles in Chicago, such as the rock/folk and country bands Pet Peeve and Senn Alan Band, where she plays the fiddle. Her extensive orchestral experience includes positions in the "Orchestre de la Francophonie" in Montreal (Canada, section player) and the CIS Youth Orchestra (Europe, second violin), demonstrating adaptability and artistic excellence. Although details about her personal life remain private, her dedication to cultural fusion between East and West inspires generations of Moldovan musicians in the context of artistic emigration.