Composer, Pianist, and Educator Elena Roussanova (Lucas), originally from Moscow, Russia, began studying music at the early age of three, when her family noticed her exceptional talent and interest in music. Graduated from one of the most prestigious conservatory in the world Tchaikovsky Moscow State Conservatory with the highest  distinction (Summa Cum Laude) in Composition.

 

Elena's professional career includes a long list of accomplishments in composition, her foremost passion, as well as teaching and performance. In June 2025, her song that was written especially for the opera star AIGUL AKHMETSHINA, was recorded with a legendary SIR ANTONIO PAPPANO on DECCA CLASSICS. 

She was a composer for “BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA" in Residence” (2020). Commissioned to write a new composition and to serve as a clinician. Her symphonic compositions are featured on the prestigious satellite radio SiriusXM SYMPHONY HALL. On “CLASSICAL MUSIC” with JOHN CLARE and PRESTON TROMBLY together with gems and giants of classical music, and on “LIVING AMERICAN” which celebrates the 21st century classical musicians, composers and conductors. Elena has been awarded THE AMERICAN PRIZE in Composition for Orchestra Music 2017/2018. Her compositions have been performed and recorded by Sir ANTONIO PAPPANO, AIGUL AKHMETSHINA, the worldwide celebrated orchestras like TCHAIKOVSKY STATE ORCHESTRA of MOSCOW under Vladimir Fedoseyev, THE PRAGUE RADIO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA under Julius P. Williams, THE BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA under Samy Rachid, THE BUFFALO PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA under Julius P. Williams, OMAHA SYMPHONY under Thomas Wilkins, PEORIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA under George Stelluto, PLYMOUTH PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA under Steven Karidoyanes, THE MOSCOW RADIO ORCHESTRA, THE RUSSIAN NATIONAL ORCHESTRA Brass Quintet, the DALLAS BRASS, and numerous orchestras at Universities and Festivals throughout the world. Her symphonic compositions were featured for the Ballet productions such as “SATURDAY NIGHT with NASHVILLE BALLET Emergence” and  BALLET LUBBOCK Gala. 

 

Publishers of her work include WARNER Brothers Publications, USA, ALFRED Music Publishing Company,  Musica Publishers, Moscow Russia and Russa Nova Publishers, USA. Allowing her music to be performed and heard by orchestras, bands, and chamber ensembles worldwide. Elena's compositions have been regularly chosen for Editor's Choice distinction by the J.W. PEPPER Co. and have been given "permanent library" recognition. Her music was released on the NAXOS, PARMA RECORDINGS, ALBANY Record and CENTAUR Records labels. In 2026 her song will be featured on the new DECCA CLASSICS album.

 

Elena's prolific writing encompasses many diverse styles including music for orchestras, wind ensembles, chamber ensembles, solo pieces as well as Broadway and popular style songs. Currently, Elena holds the position as Professor in Composition at the Berklee College of Music. Previously she served on the faculties of Boston University, New England Conservatory and as Co-Artistic Director of Berklee International Composers Institute (2008-2015) Boston, U.S.A. 

 

Elena has many reviews and interviews in FANFARE MAGAZINE, AUDIOPHILE AUDITION, MUSICWEB INTERNATIONAL, AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE. 

 

Her compositions have been played on numerous radio stations SIRIUS XM SYMPHONY HALL , CAPITAL PUBLIC RADIO Sacramento, CA; CJPX Montreal QC; WXXI Rochester, NY; WCNY Syracuse, NY; KPAC San Antonio, TX; WCVE Richmond, VA; WDPR Dayton, OH ; KANSAS PUBLIC RADIO Lawrence, KS; MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO St. Paul, MN; ALABAMA PUBLIC RADIO Tuscaloosa, AL; NPR Las Vegas, Nevada (Live Broadcast)

 

Elena is member of THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF COMPOSERS, AUTHORS AND PUBLISHERS (ASCAP), U.S.A, the UNITED RUSSIAN COMPOSERS UNION, Russia and a Voting Member of the NATIONAL  ACADEMY of RECORDING ARTS and SCIENCES (GRAMMY).