Music Director & Conductor
Olena Ponpon
Olena Ponpon is an internationally experienced conductor and violinist whose career has spanned Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and North America. Originally from Ukraine and now based in Toronto, she has built a diverse career encompassing orchestral leadership, conducting, recording, education, and performances with internationally celebrated artists.
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International Career
From 2021 to 2024, Olena served as Concertmaster of the Firdaus Orchestra in Dubai, the pioneering all-women professional orchestra established under the artistic direction of Academy Award-winning composer A. R. Rahman. As a concertmaster and orchestral musician, she has worked and performed with internationally renowned artists including Andrea Bocelli, Beyonce, Christina Aguilera, Lukas Graham, Laura Jones, Stewart Copeland, Atif Aslam, and A. R. Rahman, among others.
Before coming to Canada, Olena lived and worked professionally in Italy, Singapore, and Dubai, developing a broad musical perspective through classical, symphonic, contemporary, recording, and large-scale crossover productions. Her international experience has shaped a conducting style that combines musical precision with flexibility, energy, and a strong understanding of the orchestra from the musician’s perspective.
Musician & Orchestral Leader
Now based in Toronto, Olena continues an active career as both conductor and orchestral violinist, collaborating with ensembles throughout Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area. She has appeared as concertmaster, principal and section violinist in symphonic concerts, opera, studio recordings, and multidisciplinary productions.
Olena is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the OLPH Community Orchestra in Toronto, which she established in 2025 and continues to lead as conductor. Her work on the podium is informed by decades of experience as a performing musician, educator, concertmaster, and ensemble leader.
Artistic Vision
Music that brings people together
Having spent much of her professional career within the orchestra, Olena approaches conducting with a deep respect for the musicians in front of her. Her leadership emphasizes clarity, musical integrity, collaboration, and expressive performance, creating an environment in which musicians are encouraged to listen, communicate, and perform as one ensemble.
Whether leading classical repertoire or contemporary and crossover programs, Olena brings to the podium the perspective of an international performer and orchestral leader, together with a commitment to creating performances that are dynamic, expressive, and deeply connected to both musicians and audiences.
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