Elena Millar, born Elena Sergeyevna Lebedeva, grew up in the city of Chisinau, in the country of Moldova, a former Soviet Union country which lies between Romania and Ukraine, with the Black Sea to the south. 

 

From a young age, Elena had a keen interest in the arts. She loves poetry and reading the great novels from authors from all over the world. Her love of the arts led her to wanting to learn more about classical literature. She began a great love for opera, which led her to the theater to see many great performances growing up. At the age of 6 years old, she found herself very interested in wanting to play piano, but it wasn't until she was 9 that her family was able to get her a piano that she could call her own. 

 

 She began classical piano studies at the Polyakov Music School for Children, under teacher and head of the piano department, Tatiana Sergeyevna, for 5 years. Elena then continued on to the Rachmaninov College of Music, where she completed 6 more years of study in 2 departments simultaneously and received her degrees in Solo Classical Piano Performance and Music Theory.

 

 Upon graduating Rachmaninov College of Music, Elena continued her higher education by entering into the Moldova Academy of Music, Theater and Fine Arts, where she studied for the next 4 years under Professor and Resident Artist, Alona Vardanean. Elena graduated with honors in 2008, and was awarded her Licentiate Degree in Solo Classical Piano Performance, Teaching, and Accompanist.

 

 During her years of graduate studies, Elena had worked symultaniously at the Moldova College of Corrography as a principle accompanist to the Ballet for 4 years. She had participated in many piano competitions, including many national competitions where she received a wide range of awards. She has taken part in many solo performances, as well as performances as accompanist to opera singers, and chamber musicians.

 

Soon after graduation in 2008, Elena immigrated to the United States. She has since performed as a soloist, and has participated in performances in duets with many opera singers and classical musicians. She performed several events with the Harrisburg Capitol Opera, one of which included three performances of Samson and Delihla, playing the orchestral score for piano.  

 

Elena had her first, and very successful, American debut as a solo artist in a concert with the Hershey Symphony Orchestra at the opening of the 2010-2011 season playing Mozart's Concerto no. 13 in C major, under conductor Sandra Dackow. The memorable concert ended with 3 standing ovations in a sold out Hershey Theater, and has been regarded by many as one of their best concerts. 

 

  Elena continues to perform and has recorded several CD's. She teaches piano to a wide age range of students who are interested in classical learning. Every year she organizes recitals for her students, giving them the opportunity and experience of performing on stage in front of a live audience. Several of Elena’s students have been named finalists in Young Artists competitions and she continues to hone the skills of her students at all levels.