Artistic Director
Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley, California.
Russian-American conductor · California, USA
Elena Sharkova
Conductor. Educator. International Artistic Leader.
Music begins with human connection.
Photo source: South Florida Classical Review
About
International choral leadership shaped by artistry, trust and education.
Elena Sharkova is internationally recognised as one of today's leading choral conductors and educators. Born in Russia and now based in the United States, she has built a career that combines artistic excellence, education and cultural exchange.
She has conducted and taught in more than twenty countries, collaborating with professional choirs, youth choirs, universities and international festivals. Her work is distinguished by expressive artistry, inspiring leadership and a profound commitment to developing singers and conductors.
Music Director
Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale, California.
Guest Conductor
Festival clinician, speaker, masterclass leader and artistic mentor.
Biography
From Russia to an international conducting life.
Her story moves through rigorous training, cultural exchange, major appointments, teaching and international recognition.
Advanced conducting studies in Russia
Early artistic formation rooted in disciplined musicianship, choral tradition and expressive communication.
California artistic leadership
Leadership roles with Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley and Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale.
Guest conducting and teaching worldwide
Work across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Latin America with choirs, festivals and universities.
Jury, clinician and mentor
Jury service for INTERKULTUR competitions, Marktoberdorf, Montreux Choral Festival and international conducting competitions.
Artistic Philosophy
Great performances begin with trust.
Elena believes that the choir is a human community before it is an ensemble. Every rehearsal is an opportunity to build listening, confidence and shared purpose; every performance is an act of communication.
Communication
Leadership
Passion
Listening
Mentorship
Transformation
Music changes people.
Education creates artistic excellence.
Every singer deserves inspiration.
International Experience
More than twenty countries and festivals worldwide.
United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Japan, China, South Korea, Australia and Latin America.
USA
Canada
UK
Europe
Russia
Japan
China
Latin America
Australia
Collaborations
BBC Singers
Chanticleer
Houston Chamber Choir
Seraphic Fire
Professional choirs across Europe
International festivals
University choirs
Masterclasses
For conductors, singers, universities and festivals.
Elena's masterclasses focus on technique, rehearsal process and the human conditions that make great music possible.
Invite Elena for a masterclass
Conducting Technique
Rehearsal Technique
Youth Choir Development
Professional Choir Sound
Programming
Festival Preparation
Mentoring Young Conductors
Women in Conducting
Speaking
Thought leadership for the future of choral music.
Leadership, education, women in music, international collaboration, choir culture, artistic communication and building communities.
Calendar
Upcoming appearances.
Event details can be connected to a live calendar when official dates are supplied.
Guest Conducting Engagements
International festival and ensemble dates to be announced.
Masterclasses and Clinics
University, youth choir and conducting workshop appearances.
California Leadership
Cantabile Youth Singers of Silicon Valley and Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale.
Media
Press, video and professional resources.
Conducting and rehearsal highlights
Performance, festival and masterclass video library.
Interviews and articles
Editorial features, conference presentations and podcasts.
Professional biography
Short, medium and full biography versions for presenters.
Press kit
Approved portraits, repertoire focus, credits and contact details.
Contact
Book Elena Sharkova.
For guest conducting, festivals, masterclasses, speaking, media, professional representation or general enquiries.