– Where did you live before coming to Austin, and what did you do?
I was born and raised in Kazakhstan. When I was 15, my family moved to Moscow, which gave me a chance to get a good higher education.
I graduated from the Moscow State University of Applied Biotechnology and after a year of work I entered MGIMO and received a second higher education.
In parallel with these, I have always been engaged in the development of my talent, graduated from a music school in the academic vocal class and studied for one year at the Gnesins Music School.
Repeatedly participated in competitions and concerts, became a laureate.
Before moving to Austin, for the last 8 years, I worked in the Moscow branch of Rosneft and was involved in the development of categories at filling stations Rosneft, BP, TNK.
– How did you get to Austin?
While studying at MGIMO, I met my best friend Svetlana, who later got married and began to live in Austin. When I came to visit her, I met my future husband Richard, a native Texan, and after the wedding 2 years ago, the capital of Texas became my second home.
– What are you working on in Austin?
At the time of planning the move, I made a decision for myself to try to change the field of activity and leave the business environment to the creative one. From the first months of my stay in Austin, I began preparing for auditions at the local opera house, but due to the pandemic, the recruitment of singers was suspended, and the audition was postponed indefinitely.
I am currently performing at private events and singing for friends.
– Where do you think people get talent?
In my opinion, talent is a gift that is awarded to every person at birth – this is how, in my opinion, the genetically accumulated knowledge acquired by past generations is expressed. However, whether a person’s talent will be shown depends very much on the environment in which the child grows up. Just as a seed grows in fertile soil with regular watering and maintenance, talent grows in the right environment. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that they are endowed with any talent. They did not develop in the conditions intended for this talent, therefore it is so important to try to educate children in different directions, to help in the manifestation of the inherent gift.
– How did your talent manifest itself?
As a child, my mother often played on piano and sang Russian folk songs and romances, and of course attracted me to this lesson. At the age of six, my mother took me to a music school and for audition, due to my good hearing, I was assigned to the violin class, but my craving for singing was stronger and later I was transferred to the academic vocal class. Year after year, the voice grew stronger and more confident. Thus, along with my studies and knowledge, my talent manifested itself.
– How are your relations with your homeland?
I continue to read Russian literature, watch films in Russian and take vocal lessons from an opera singer from Russia. I miss the once usual trips to theaters, museums and exhibitions, I miss the Moscow architectural scope and long evening walks.
– What cultural characteristics and habits from your pre-American life do you support?
I try to share our culture with my American family: I cook traditional dishes, some cause a clear delight (honey cake, borscht, chicken noodles), some remain underestimated (for example, herring under a fur coat or jellied meat); I try to instill my husband’s interest in Russian literature, classical music and opera; I am proud to remember all the achievements and discoveries made by Russian and Soviet people. And, of course, I celebrate all Russian holidays, which turns the whole year into an endless series of American and Russian celebrations.
– How has your lifestyle changed when you moved to Texas?
In Moscow, the dynamics of life is lightning-fast and exhausting, because of the long distances, the road to and from work could take up to two or three hours, and on weekdays, like many others, I would come home just to sleep. When we moved to Texas, everything changed: there was a lot of free time that can be spent on new active hobbies such as kayaking, hiking, surfing and paddleboarding, and time with friends by the pool quickly became commonplace.
In addition, for me, as a creative person, an indispensable plus is the fact that Austin is the “World Capital of Music”, and what could be more beautiful than closeness to art with all its American charm.
– Please tell us about your family
My parents and brother and wife live in Moscow. I dream of a blue reunion and hope that someday we will live close to each other again. However, I was very lucky with my American family – my husband and his parents are very kind and helpful people, their support helps to adapt faster to the new environment. I love everyone very much, and thank God for my wonderful and big family.
– Tell us about your hobbies
In addition to practicing academic vocals, horseback riding (in the past I was engaged in horseback riding for about six years), mountain and water sports, as well as cooking brings me incredible joy, and travel and new places provide an opportunity to nourish my soul and heart with wonderful impressions.
– What initiatives would you like to participate in the life of the russian speaking community in Austin?
Recently I performed at Maslenitsa, a celebration organized by Russian Cultural Center in Austin. Having an active life position and a desire to support Russian culture, I am happy to continue to take part in active events of the Cultural Center as a singer.
Contact information:
Ksenia Shishlyannikova
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kseniya_hollon