From a small city in Russia to the beating heart of Bahrain’s entertainment scene, Anna Nazimova’s musical journey is as inspiring as it is remarkable. As the founder of Creative Beats, an entertainment and artist management company, she continues to mesmerise audiences with her performances and creative projects. In an exclusive interview with Woman This Month, Anna tells Kristian Harrison about turning her passion for music into a thriving business.
“I am from Ulyanovsk, Russia, which some refer to as the Motherland of Communism, being the birthplace of Vladimir Lenin,” Anna reminisces. “I come from a simple family. My mother, a psychologist, always dreamt of playing the piano, but growing up in a small village, it wasn’t possible. So, she made sure my sisters and I all graduated from music school.” At the age of seven, her photographer father enrolled her in a cello class, a decision that would shape her future.
Her musical education is rooted in the classical tradition. “I am proud to belong to the Russian classical cello school,” she explains. Under the tutelage of a teacher who studied with the renowned cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, Anna honed her skills and developed a deep love for the instrument. But it wasn’t just classical musicians who influenced her. “Tina Gou, an American cellist of Chinese origin, opened a new world of music for me. She was the first famous cellist to perform on an electric cello, and it became my dream to own one. Now, I have three!” she says enthusiastically.
After completing her studies at the Saratov State Conservatory in Russia, Anna’s career took her around the world. She performed in countries like Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Hong Kong and South Korea. But it was a friend’s invitation to perform in a classical trio at the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain that changed everything. “I fell in love with Bahrain. The people here are so open and hospitable. I feel loved and appreciated,” she reflects.
In 2019, Anna founded Creative Beats, fulfilling a long-held dream of owning her own business. “Creative Beats is an entertainment and artist management company which provides live music and performers for events,” she says passionately.
Merging entrepreneurship with performance, however, comes with its own set of challenges. “It’s not easy, but it opens doors to out-of-the-box solutions. I’ve had to learn how to balance creativity with structure, setting clear business goals while allowing room for artistic freedom,” she explains. Time management and a clear schedule have been crucial in navigating the dual roles of performer and business owner.
The evolving music scene in Bahrain has been a fertile ground for Creative Beats to thrive. “When we started, there was already a passion for live performances, but I noticed a gap in the diversity of entertainment options. Bahrain’s audience has become more open to different forms of artistic expression, and we’ve embraced this by offering unique and innovative performances that blend music with visually dynamic acts,” she says.
Looking ahead, Anna is excited about what the future holds for both her and Creative Beats. “I’m working on several projects, including a new wedding show and a dynamic performance featuring female drummers, perfect for corporate and festival events,” she shares.
Anna’s passion for her work is palpable, and as she says, “I run my business as a woman, and I follow my heart by turning my fantasies into real projects.”
