Ukrainian pianist Olena Shvetsova is known for her expressive artistry, commanding stage presence, and vibrant musical imagination. Equally at home as soloist, accompanist, and teacher, she has built a career that bridges the great traditions of the Russian piano school with a modern, international outlook.

Olena began her musical journey with Nataliia Romenskaya, later studying with Olga Orlova at the Music College of Kyiv, where her distinctive sound and technical brilliance earned her numerous solo prizes. Her early success led to a Presidential Scholarship of Ukraine, enabling her to continue her studies at the renowned National Music Academy of Kyiv with Olga Liforenko and Zoia Eremenko, a distinguished pupil of Lev Oborin, one of the towering figures of Russian pianism.

After graduating with honours, Olena joined the faculty of the Kosenko Music School and became Official Pianist for the Opera Department of the National Academy of Kyiv. There she collaborated with leading artists including Vladimir Sheiko, Chief Conductor and Artistic Director of the National Radio Symphony Orchestra, and visionary stage producer Vladimir Shutko, experiences that enriched her musical versatility and dramatic sensitivity.

A prizewinner at major international competitions, Olena won First Prize at the Sixth International Chopin Piano Competition in Rome and was a Finalist at the Eighth International Rachmaninoff Competition in Italy. Her concert engagements have taken her across the UK, Italy, Austria, Andorra, Holland, Cayman Islands, Russia, and Ukraine, performing both as a soloist and in duo with her husband, cellist Richard May, with whom she shares a deeply communicative musical partnership.

A sought-after pedagogue, Olena brings the depth, discipline, and poetry of the Russian school to her students at Wells Cathedral Specialist Music School, Millfield School, and her flourishing private studio. Her pupils consistently achieve outstanding ABRSM examination and diploma results, win national and international prizes, and secure places at leading UK music conservatoires and universities.

She is regularly invited to give masterclasses in the UK and abroad, serves as an adjudicator for the Newport Virtuosi International Piano Competition, and is Founder and Director of the Encore International Music Summer School, now in its 14th successful year, celebrated for its inspiring atmosphere and exceptional artistic standards.