Roza Ushkanova

First Violin

Roza Ushkanova is a classically trained violinist from Yakutia, Russia. Her artistic path has taken her from Moscow to China and now to Canada, where she shares her love of music with audiences as a soloist, chamber musician, and orchestral player. Honoured with the “International Peace Prize” for her violin work, Roza believes deeply in music as a way to connect people and build bridges between cultures. She lives in Guelph with her husband and two children, grateful to continue growing as an artist and member of her community.

What inspired you to pick up your instrument for the first time, and how has your journey evolved since then?
I began exploring sound at age two on the piano, guided by curiosity and a love of listening. At four, I began formal piano and music theory lessons, and in kindergarten I sang Yakut folk songs with a folk orchestra. At six, I was admitted to the Higher School of Music (an audition-based school for gifted children), where I discovered the violin and fell in love with its voice, hearing something that could not be.

Can you share a memorable performance moment that still resonates with you today?
It’s hard to choose just one moment. Playing music with colleagues and friends has always felt like home to me, especially growing up in that environment. After moving to Canada, my first rehearsal with the orchestra instantly gave me that same feeling, a sense of belonging I will always remember.

How do you prepare mentally and physically before a big concert?
It all depends, but preparation for me is about stamina, both mental and physical. I try my best to build endurance in practice, stay physically relaxed, and take quiet moments before starting a new sound to breathe, focus, and trust my preparation. This is always my intention, but live performance is live performance.

What is the most challenging piece of music you've ever performed, and what did you learn from the experience?
Technically, many works are challenging, but the hardest moments come when life feels heavy and you must still perform. Learning to move forward one step at a time has taught me resilience and trust in preparation, and to feel the joy of being able to do what I love alongside my family and friends.

If you could perform in any concert hall around the world, which one would it be and why?
Anywhere in this cosmos (music has no borders). Discovering Canada still lies ahead, with many places and audiences to explore. A hall is not always just a hall, it becomes meaningful through the people, the music, and the feeling of connection.

Who is your favorite composer, and what piece of theirs do you love playing the most?
It depends, but most of the time I return to Bach. His music always seems to put everything in the right place.

How do you balance the demands of practice and performance with your personal life?
I try to connect them closely because there is no one without the other. Music is part of my personal life, and my personal life gives meaning to my music. Finding balance means allowing both to support each other.

What is one piece of advice you would give to aspiring musicians?
Be yourself, stay curious, and trust your journey.

Can you share a funny or unexpected backstage story from a past performance?
Too many to choose just one! I may have to break them down and share a few stories on social media someday.

What role does collaboration play in your musical life, and how has it enriched your experiences?
Collaboration feels like a mini life each time, every project has its own journey and always finds a way to enrich my musical and personal experience.

How do you approach interpreting a new piece of music for the first time?
I try to form a strong first impression of a new piece while reading it carefully and accurately. From there, I build understanding step by step. I also love discussing music with colleagues, as their perspectives often open new ideas and deepen my interpretation.

What non-musical hobbies or interests do you have that influence or inspire your musicality?
At the moment, life itself inspires my musicality, parenting, the life of an artist, and the experience of being an immigrant. These responsibilities keep me practical and grounded, and that perspective shapes how I approach music. I also love sewing, and I look forward to having more time for it in the future.

If you could have a dinner party with any musician, living or deceased, who would they be and why?
I feel fortunate to say that I already have with my colleagues at the Guelph Symphony Orchestra. Sharing meals, conversations, and music with fellow musicians is something I truly value and never take for granted.

What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of being part of an orchestra?
The sense of community and support. Being part of an orchestra means sharing responsibility, listening to one another, and creating something together that is greater than any individual.

What is your favourite GSO memory?
There are so many wonderful memories, but I’ll choose the most recent rehearsal and concert. Each one brings new moments of connection, growth, and shared energy that remind me why I love being part of GSO.

Do you play another instrument or is there one you wished you could play?
I like to think of myself as a violinist with a piano background and a bit of a guitar romance. Each instrument brings its own colour, and I enjoy exploring their different voices.

Besides your musical career, what other passions or occupations do you pursue?
I would say languages. It takes time for me to learn each one, but they help me connect with people and understand different cultures. Anything that helps communication feels like a true passion of mine.

Do you have a current SideQuest?
Improving my stamina and consistency, both in music and in daily life.

Favourite travel destination or place to visit?
I love places with nature for long walks, fresh air, and quiet moments to reflect.

What is the best thing about being a member of Guelph Symphony?
The people, the sense of community, support, and shared purpose.

If you couldn’t be a musician, what would you want to do?
Something connected to people and communication...

Instagram @roza.ushkanova.violin