Person to Person: Yershova is preparing to perform at Cork festival

Tell us about yourself;

My name is Kseniia Yershova. I am 20 years old, play violin and viola, and am studying at MTU Cork School of Music for my Bachelor’s degree, specialising in performance.

I enjoy exploring chamber, orchestral, and solo music repertoire, and I am also interested in orchestration and arranging. I love nature and find peace in simple walks by the sea or through the forest, enjoying the beauty and tranquility of the natural world.

Where were you born?

I am from Ukraine. I was born in Sevastopol, Crimea, where I spent most of my childhood. But I had to leave my home in 2014 and move to Odesa because Russia had annexed Crimea. Since then, I lived and studied in Odesa until I was forced to leave my home again in 2022.

Family?

I have a big, loving family of eight: my parents, myself, my four younger sisters (who range in age from 18 to 8), and my little brother, who’ll be three years old this June.

My father, Maksym, works as a project manager, and my mother, Olena, is a professional hairdresser. My sisters (Yevlaliia, Olena, Nataliia, and Sofiia) also play music, and together we form a string quintet called Yershovy sisters. Since 2022, we have played at many different concerts across Ireland, including some solo concerts, with a diverse repertoire.

My little brother Yaroslav is also already showing his love for music by conducting and singing at our rehearsals at home.

Where do you live?

I currently live in Cork, while my parents and younger siblings are still in north Kerry. However, they’re looking to move to Cork as well since all the girls take music lessons at the Cork School of Music. For now, they have to drive two hours each week to attend their lessons, so finding a place nearby would make things much easier.

Best friend?

I’m lucky to have three best friends - Flora, Alina, and Adam. Each of them is very dear to my heart, bringing me happiness, unwavering , and a constant source of positivity. My circle of friends is quite international, with people from Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, and Ukraine, as well as many Irish friends.

Earliest childhood memory?

One of my earliest childhood memories is spending lots of time with friends and parents on the Black Sea beach in Crimea.

Person you most ire?

I ire my parents for their positive outlook on life, their incredible kindness to everyone, and their resilience in the face of any obstacles. I’m also grateful for the way they always did their best for my siblings and me. Thanks to them, I had a wonderful childhood and now have amazing opportunities to continue my education and develop my career in the music industry with their unwavering .

Person who most irritates you?

I don’t have a specific person in mind, but I find it frustrating when someone is unwilling to listen, dismisses others’ struggles, or lets their ego get in the way of genuine connection.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

My most memorable holiday was my first trip to a children’s camp, traveling from Ukraine to Greece. I was 12 years old and went with my sister, Yevlaliia.

Favourite TV programme? Good Omens.

Favourite radio show?

I really enjoy most of the programming on Lyric FM, and I love listening to it in the car.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I am very good at cooking a Ukrainian traditional dish - Borscht.

Favourite restaurant?

I like the Cork restaurant called Sonflour.

Last book you read?

At the moment, I am reading a book about the life of the famous violinist David Oistrakh.

Best book you read?

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Last album/CD/ you bought?

The last album I was listening to was The Tortured Poets Department, by Taylor Swift.

Favourite song?

Recently, I’ve been listening mostly to film soundtracks and classical music, though I enjoy other genres as well. If I had to pick a favourite song, it would likely be Place I Call Home by the Ukrainian band Ziferblat. They’re also performing for Ukraine at this year’s Eurovision.

One person you would like to see in concert?

I really want to see Hans Zimmer live one day. I am a big fan of film soundtracks, and he is my favourite film composer. Also, one of my old friends from music school in Ukraine plays in Hans Zimmer’s orchestra.

Do you have a pet?

Not at the moment, unfortunately. However, throughout my life, we’ve always had an aquarium at home... Sometimes, just watching the fish swim could be incredibly relaxing.

Morning person or night owl?

I’m more of a night owl, especially being a student.

Your proudest moment?

My proudest moment was winning my first-ever Grand Prix at an international violin competition in Ukraine in 2021.

Spend, thrift or saver?

I tend to save money rather than spend it.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live? Bus schedule.

What makes you happy?

What makes me happy is spending time with my loved ones, as their company brings me a lot of joy. I also find happiness in helping others and being there for them when they need . As a classical musician, my ion for music and the personal growth I experience through it also bring me a sense of fulfillment and motivation. It truly brings me joy to see people enjoy the music I play.

How would you like to be ed?

I would like to be ed as someone who was kind-hearted and honest, always treating others with warmth and sincerity. I strive to be ambitious, continuously pushing myself to grow and achieve my dreams. As a person who always tries to do as much as possible, I aim to be a collaborative and professional musician, dedicated to the art and to those I work with. My love for music is a core part of who I am, and I hope to inspire others through it. Above all, family is incredibly important to me, and I want to be ed as someone who cherished and prioritised the people I love.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I was actively preparing for the Erasmus exchange programme, as I was eager to study in Norway for a year. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for me. Due to my unique status in Ireland, I am unable to leave the country for more than three months without losing my special visa for Ukrainians and the from the government, which I am incredibly grateful for. While this situation prevented me from studying abroad, even for a semester, I don’t want to risk losing the invaluable I currently receive from Ireland.

At the moment, I am seeking further opportunities to improve myself as a musician, including international masterclasses, festivals, and performance opportunities. So, I am very excited to perform at the Ortús Chamber Music Festival with my Gealach Quartet (featuring Ellen O’Connell, Ilona Adams, and Alina Obreja) on February 26 at 1 pm at St Peter’s Church. See www.ortusfestival.ie