Helena Basilova was born in Moscow where she began studying the piano at an early age. As the daughter of two pianists, music has always played an important role in her life. After the first years of piano education at the local music school in Moscow, Helena moved to the Netherlands at the age of seven. There she studied at the Conservatory of Amsterdam with pianists David Kuyken and Hakon Austbo. In 2010 she moved to New York City to study with acclaimed Spanish pianist José Ramón Mendez at New York University.
Helena was a finalist for several Dutch competitions and was awarded the 'Debut Series' in March 2008. These awards are specially reserved for talented young musicians, and the winners are offered a concert tour in the most important music halls of the country. After this successful tour Helena performed concerts in Spain, Russia, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Iceland, Aruba and New York.
Though Helena performs repertoire from all periods and styles, her Russian heritage lends her a special connection with the Russian 20th-century repertoire including composers like Prokofiev, Rachmaninov Gubaidulina and Scriabin. In November 2011 Helena performed Scrjabin's ninth sonata in Weill Hall, Carnegie Hall
During her years in Amsterdam, Helena developed a great love for chamber music and has worked with many great ensembles and musicians. Chamber music projects for 2011, /12 include Messiaen's Quartet for the End of Time, performing Beethoven's violin sonatas in San Antonio, Texas and a collaboration with the Syrene Saxophone Quartet for performances of Franck's piano quintet and works by the Russian composer E. Denisov. Last season she performed with talented pianist Franz von Chossy in crossover projects which featured the combination of classical music and jazz. Helena continues to work on crossover projects with artists from a variety of fields.
Helena Basilova has received scholarships from NYU, Nuffic and the Prins Bernard Cultuurfonds and currently lives and performs in New York City.
