Olga Protopopova
Peer Evaluator – Qatar
Olga Protopopova is a distinguished pianist, educator, and cultural leader with a career that bridges performance, teaching, and community development in the arts. A graduate with distinction in piano and chamber ensemble from the P. I. Tchaikovsky National Academy of Music in Ukraine, she began her career as an accompanist, working with esteemed vocal ensembles at the National Academy of Music. Her strong foundation as a performer and collaborator has shaped her journey into an inspiring advocate for music and the performing arts on the global stage.
Currently, Olga serves as the Director of the International Centre for Music (ICM) in Doha, a vibrant performing arts institution she has nurtured into a hub for excellence in music, ballet, and fine arts since 2000. Under her leadership, ICM students have achieved international recognition, winning top honors at prestigious competitions in Russia, Spain, Georgia, France, Switzerland, and Qatar. Beyond competitions, Olga has actively promoted cultural exchange by organizing concerts, ballet recitals, and jazz performances, including collaborations with the International Jazz Day initiative. Her dedication to innovation in the arts was recognized by a personal letter of appreciation from the legendary Herbie Hancock, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador for Intercultural Dialogue.
In addition to her leadership role, Olga is deeply involved in adjudication and mentorship. She has served as an adjudicator for the COBIS Music Competition in Doha, bringing together young talent from across seven countries, and has been a permanent judge for the Qatar School Choir of the Year competition since its inception. She also conducts the Russian-speaking choir “Kamerton,” whose performances of English and international repertoire have enriched the cultural life of the community. These roles reflect her enduring passion for nurturing young talent and supporting the growth of choral and instrumental music in Qatar and beyond.
Olga’s artistic vision extends into theater, where she founded her studio “Music Box” to create opportunities for children to explore the stage. Her productions, combined with her participation in cultural forums in Paris and Saint Petersburg, highlight her belief in the transformative power of the arts for young people. Through her multi-faceted work as a performer, director, and mentor, Olga has become a driving force for cultural enrichment and artistic excellence in the region. Guided by her personal motto, “To have the right to teach, you must constantly learn yourself,” she continues to inspire future generations of artists with creativity, dedication, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
