Oksana

Russian-born pianist and composer Oksana Kolesnikova, 26, recently moved to the New Port Richey area from St. Petersburg, Fla. where she vows to donate her time and talent to area churches when she’s not touring or playing other engagements.

by Lisa Davis, The Tampa Tribune


1. Why did you choose to settle in Pasco County and donate your time to churches here?

It was a sequence of pleasant events that led us to Pasco County, as my husband and I had originally set sails towards Sarasota Bay. Basically, we were on the market for a new home as we had outgrown our St. Petersburg residence, especially with the arrival of yet another keyboard and our third cat... We shared our intentions relocate to some of our close friends and that’s when we realized that many of them had also recently moved to Pasco or northern Pinellas County. Asking them why, everyone seemed to agree that, while growing at a very fast rate, this area is perfect for those who are seeking to live in a corner of paradise. As I travel quite often and perform hundreds of live concerts every year, having a peaceful retreat where I can compose new melodies and enjoy the little free time I have means a whole lot to me. Therefore I find the slower pace and the friendliness of our neighbors of immense value.

Donating my time to the churches in the communities where I live is something I try to do at least once a year, schedule allowing. I feel very grateful for the insight and guidance that I received one very special day, inside a church, the very same year I came to America. I was about 16 and undecided about which direction to go, career-wise.. I wanted so much to keep studying piano and to pursue a career as a professional musician, but even some of my own relatives would discourage me by pointing out that it’s practically impossible to make a decent living as a musician… So, that day, I was praying, and asking God to send me a clear sign on whether I’d better off to become a doctor, nurse or lawyer or – follow my heart and keep studying music. It was in that moment that suddenly, the church pianist started to play one of the songs I was currently trying to memorize… The emotion was overwhelming.. I think I ran out, almost scared, had goose bumps all over… But that’s when I realized beyond any doubt that my future had to be in the music business. And, I must say, even though not necessarily an easy life, I feel as if I have been duly rewarded for having listened to the advice from Above, with a career in full swing, four CDs and two soon to be released, two world tours in far away countries sharing my music with the U.S. Troops… what else could I ask for? Churches are places where people can clearly hear the voice of God, if they listen carefully…very special places indeed.. I will keep the yearly tradition of donating my time and skills to churches for as long as I can.


2. When did you come to the United States from the Russia and what led you to St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area?

I came to the U.S. in 1993 with my family, and my parents opted for St. Petersburg after a fellow train traveler originally from Russia and a resident of St. Petersburg did such a good job at convincing my parents that St. Petersburg was the perfect place for them to make their new home. I guess he was right, as after 11 years, we still love it here!


3. Though classically trained, I understand you don’t consider yourself simply a classical pianist. How do you describe your music?

My 17 years of classical training served me as a solid foundation on which I now base my entire musical world, which in the past five years or so has expanded into realms I didn’t even know existed. I am and always will be a lover of classical music, as I personally consider it to be the most refined form of music there is. My direction as a composer is definitely influenced by my classical background, even though greatly influenced by great modern composers such as Paul Schwartz in his “Arias,” for example. As a performer, I am fascinated by the variety of people’s musical tastes… every time I receive a request for a piece I am not familiar with, I always make it a point to learn it, hoping to run into the same fan again at another concert. In a nutshell, I consider my music to be varied enough to please a very wide audience, from the very young to the young at heart. My original music could fall in the category of “New Age” or ‘World’ music, always with an ‘Oksana twist’ to it...


4. What inspires you?

Life inspires me, in all of its simplicity and complexities. I normally compose new melodies during moments of deep reflection over something that somehow touched me, in a special way.. I am inspired by other people’ life experiences, and especially, the elderly. Living in Florida has given me the chance to meet so many wonderful people who have lived in ways I can only dream about… Catching glimpses of their life stories at the end of my performances is for me a profound source of inspiration. I see in many of these people real beauty, depth, wisdom, and peace. Visions and projections of the future also inspire me, as I visualize what the next steps will be in my career, or where the next world tour will take me. Lastly, inspiration for me is also provided by those who achieved greatest results in their own fields regardless of the
challenges presented to them.


5. You’ve toured the world, performed for U.S. Troops overseas and have been called “”the female version of Liberace’’ and the “Siberian Siren’’ referring to where you were born. But as a graduate of both St. Petersburg College and Florida State University, on one hand you could be considered a typical Florida girl. What advice would give to youngsters about following their dreams like you have?

It’s fascinating to me how sometimes newspapers and magazines refer me to, very often with me having no clue… But it is actually very flattering to be considered the ‘female version of Liberace’ – he is definitely one of my idols, along with Victor Borge, as they were also classically trained and later decided to break free from the often stiff and somewhat snobbish classical world... And yes, I could be considered a typical Florida girl, I guess, minus whatever is left of my Russian accent and a very white skin that can’t take the sun too well…

My advice to young aspiring artists, is this: if you feel beyond any doubt that your call in life is through the Arts, you should invest as much of your time as possible, while still under the care of your parents, into the development and refinement of your art, so that your chances of success will be greater, once you are on your own. This means, if you love to play an instrument, do all you can to become the best you could possibly be – this takes time and discipline, other than talent. The good news is, not everyone is willing to invest time and discipline in cultivating their art. Many give up at the first difficulties. Dreams can become true, as long as you have 1) a burning desire, 2) a workable plan and 3) the strength and passion to persevere during the challenging times. And last but not least, a visit to your Church to listen for a very special sign.


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Oksana is available to perform at your church throughout the holiday season, schedule allowing.

To inquire about availability, or to book Oksana for a future event, please call 727-379-9394

posted by Mgmt :: Nov 24th 2004, 13:15