Prokhor Protasoff

Prokhor, a Russian-born exile, is a composer and conductor living in Toronto. After studying at the Tchaikovsky Moscow Conservatory, he served as Conductor-in-Residence with the Vyatka Symphony Orchestra in his hometown. During that time, he arranged performances of his two major works: a Concerto for violin, piano, and orchestra, and a ballet, Town in a Snuffbox. His compositions from this period earned recognition in several composition competitions, including twice receiving awards at the prestigious St. Romanos Melodos International Prize in Saint Petersburg.

In 2018, Prokhor received a Fulbright Scholarship, fulfilling his aspiration for international education by studying conducting at Bard College in New York. Currently, Prokhor resides in Canada, where he is pursuing a DMA in Composition and working as a Teaching Assistant. His recent achievements include becoming a finalist in the World Soundtrack Awards Young Composers’ Competition in Belgium, participating in the Soundstreams/RBC Bridges program, and reaching the finals of the Peace Symphony Concours in London, UK.

Prokhor’s work is theatrical and dramatic in nature: he blends modern and classical elements, electronic and acoustic textures, and explores his Russian heritage, seeking to rethink, reinterpret, and reframe it in ways that are urgently needed today. His music reflects lived and wrenching experiences of injustice, disillusionment, estrangement, and despair, yet is reanimated by themes of love, transformation, reconciliation, and a persistent hope that renders it vivid and profoundly contemporary.