Elena Roussanova

Composer, pianist, and educator Elena Roussanova, originally from Moscow, Russia, began studying music at the early age of three when her family noticed her exceptional talent and interest in music. She graduated summa cum laude in composition from the prestigious Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory.

Elena's professional career includes a long list of accomplishments in composition. Her music has been chosen for regular rotation on prestigious satellite radio SiriusXM’s Symphony Hall and on the shows "Classical Music” and “Living American”. Her compositions have been played on numerous North American public radio stations, including: Capital Public Radio (Sacramento, CA); CJPX (Montreal QC); WXXI (Rochester, NY); WCNY (Syracuse, NY); KPAC (San Antonio, TX); WCVE (Richmond, VA); WDPR (Dayton, OH); Kansas Public Radio (Lawrence, KS); Minnesota Public Radio (St. Paul, MN); Alabama Public Radio (Tuscaloosa, AL); and a live broadcast on NPR (Las Vegas, NV).

Elena has been awarded the American Prize in Composition for Orchestra Music (2017/2018). Her compositions have been performed and recorded by the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra under Julius P. Williams, Tchaikovsky State Orchestra of Moscow under Vladimir Fedoseyev, Omaha Symphony under Thomas Wilkins, Peoria Symphony Orchestra under George Stelluto, Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra under Steven Karidoyanes,  Moscow Radio Orchestra, Russian National Orchestra Brass Quintet, members of the Bolshoi Ballet Orchestra, the Dallas Brass, and numerous orchestras at universities and festivals throughout the world. Her symphonic compositions were featured for ballet productions such as “Saturday Night with Nashville Ballet Emergence” and Ballet Lubbock Gala. Recently a new documentary film with Elena’s music, Rancho Cordova: From Gold Rush to Space, was aired on PBS station KVIE.

She is published by Warner Brothers Publications, Alfred Music Publishing Company and Musica Russica. Elena's compositions have been regularly chosen for Editor's Choice distinction by the J.W. Pepper Co. and have been given "permanent library" recognition. Her music is released on the Albany/Parma and Centaur record labels. 

Currently, Elena is professor in composition at the Berklee College of Music. Previously, she served on the faculties of Boston University, the New England Conservatory, and as co-artistic director of the Berklee International Composers Institute (2008-2015). Elena is a member of the American Society of Composers (ASCAP), the United Russian Composers Union, and a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (Grammy).