What they are saying about Elena…

Micaele Sparacino – ConcertoNet.com – Rhapsody ona Theme of Paganini, Landon Symphonette

“ Ms. Ulyanova’s performance of the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini was nothing short of dazzling.  She is a Lioness at the Keyboard, playing with more strength and technique than most men.  In fact, her playing, marked by power and poetry, recalled to mind the legendary Gina Bachauer.  It was breathtaking to watch her fingers flying over the keys, and the sound she drew from the piano was amazing!”  “…a truly exciting performance distinguished by verve and panache.  She is an artist not to be missed!”

Terry McNeil – Classical Sonoma – Concerts Grand Series Recital

“Any uncertainty about Ulyanova’s command of Rachmaninoff’s bravura was swept away with an orchestral performance of the great Sonata (No. 2), in the Horowitz edition.  The finale brought out all of the pianist’s heavy artillery – massive broken octaves, endurance, wide skips, and brilliant passage work.  The individual parts of the Sonata often seem greater than the whole, but Ulyanova brought opulent passion that conquered all.”

Fred Kirshnit – New York Sun – Bargemusic Recital

“…Ms. Ulyanova’s delicate performance of Claude Debussy’s “Ondine.” “…she wove a diaphanous web for her aquatic sprite, suggestion rather than declamation fingered lovingly.  As the little concert hall rocked back and forth, Ms. Ulyanova crept into the complex harmonic world of ‘Brouillards (Mists)’ and kept her listeners afloat, and a bit enchantingly lost in the fog.  This was very lovely music making.”

Piano Wereld Magazine – Amsterdam

“You cannot deny the panache of the Russian piano player Elena Ulyanova.  She intensifies showpieces such as the Mefisto Waltz and the Tarantella from a Liszt produced in Russia, with all the restlessness of a wild breathing and rumbling volcano which rarely slows down.”

Professor Victor Merzhanov, Moscow Conservatory

“Elena Ulyanova is one of the most gifted musicians of the Moscow Conservatory. She has great virtuosity, brilliant and artistic temperament, unique interpretive expression, and a rich sound palette.”

Seymour Bernstein

“Fantastic!  I finally heard Elena’s CD of Rachmaninoff’s Concerto in C minor and the Rhapsody.  What can one say to such playing?  It’s magnificent, both musically and technically.  I send her my highest praise and admiration for such fantastic playing.”

International Rachmaninoff Society 

“Elena Ulyanova gives an impressive performance of the [Rachmaninoff] Second Concerto, with much lyrical warmth, and an especially fine slow movement.  The [Paganini Rhapsody’s] strong contrasts seem tailor made for her, and she rises to the challenge quite brilliantly in the outer sections, playing with remarkable flair and vitality.”

Roy Gillinson, Beethoven Society of America

“A phenomenal gifted performer!!  Her performance for the Beethoven Society was a rare treat!”

Dr. Raymond T. Jackson

“Fantastic and inspired, I couldn’t just listen [to her recording] while doing something else….I had to stop everything to just sit and listen.  Elena’s [Fitzgerald Theater concert] performance was absolutely wonderful and riveting from beginning to end!”

Vladmir Leyetchkiss, DePaul University

“A brilliant pianist.”

Owen E. Walton, Musicweb International

“Ulyanova’s playing in the [Rachmaninoff Concerto No. 2] first movement is generally very fine.  There is an admirable clarity to her fingerwork and she really lets us hear the various simultaneous strands that permeate the solo writing.”

Gary Grimes, CEO Steinway Piano Galleries, Orlando

“Elena’s technique and musical interpretation are inspiring, and audiences are held spellbound by her mastery of even the most difficult works.  From the moment she begins to play, she exhibits power, technique and dynamics rarely seen in classical performers.  While her recordings command anyone’s attention, they cannot compare to the unbounded energy which Elena unleashes in a live concert.  Anyone watching her play is swept into the music while watching her fingers command amazing force or delicate phrasing, to bring the most vivid interpretation of the music she performs.”

Evan Craves, Conductor – American Philharmonic

‘Ms. Ulyanova’s performance was stunning; her command of the piano is expansive.  The moment she engages the keyboard, she exudes strength and confidence.  Her playing covers a broad range of authentic expression: from spectacular rhythm to delicate lyricism.  She tells the story within the music and her stage presence invites listeners in.”

International Piano, Page 63, Rachmaninov CD

“Elena’s performance in her recording with the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Dmitry Yablonsky is articulate and energetic, if musically conservative.  At times she holds temps back, as in Var. 5 or midway through Var. 15, for emphasis and clarity.”