Panel of Adjudicators: Qualifying Rounds
Mirriam Reyes
Mirriam Reyes is a Filipino musician with a Bachelor’s Degree in Creative and Performing Musical Arts, majoring in Voice & Piano, from the University of the Philippines College of Music. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from De La Salle University, Manila. An accomplished vocalist and pianist, Mirriam has led award-winning vocal groups and individuals, and she brings a wealth of professional performance experience to her work. As an active stage performer and singer, she combines artistry, expression, and technical skill in every musical endeavour. Mirriam’s deep understanding of voice and piano, together with her broad musical perspective, makes her a valued adjudicator, providing insightful and balanced evaluation for performers. She joined Harmony Music Center in September 2025.
Galyna Kovtun
Galyna Kovtun is a Ukrainian pianist with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Art, majoring in Piano. A graduate of Kryvyi Rih Music College, she has built a solid reputation through more than a decade of professional experience in the field. Known for her strong classical foundation and refined musical sensibility, Galyna has guided several award-winning performers and contributed to various musical projects over the years. Joined Harmony Music Center team in 2025. With a deep appreciation for expressive performance and artistic excellence, Galyna brings a thoughtful, informed, and balanced perspective to her work as a judge.
Olha Kochura
Olha, a highly accomplished musician, earned her Master's Degree with honors from I.P. Kotlyarevsky University of Arts in Kharkiv (Ukraine). Commencing her career in 2010, Olha served as a lead of pedagogical practice in University, piano teacher and accompanist in several music schools of Kharkiv. Joining Harmony Music Center in 2016, she was appointed Managing Director in 2018. Olha's dedication has led to student success in competitions in Bahrain and internationally.
Natalia Kashyrtseva
Natalia is a Ukrainian pianist with a Master’s degree in Piano Performance, graduating from the I. P. Kotlyarevsky National University of Arts in Kharkiv. She began her musical journey in Ukraine, where she accompanied school and college choirs, sang in choirs, and performed as a pianist in various ensembles. For the past eight years, Natalia has been based in Bahrain, working at Harmony Music Center as a piano and music theory teacher since 2017. She also performs regularly at some of the kingdom’s notable venues, including the Bahrain Ministry of Education Hall, Alliance Française, Nadeen School, and the German Embassy. Passionate about sharing the joy of music, Natalia finds inspiration in bringing people together through performance and nurturing the next generation of young musicians.
Dzmitry Antanevich
Dzmitry, a distinguished piano, flute, and saxophone teacher, holds a Master's Degree in Musical Art from the Belarusian State Music Academy. With a decade of teaching experience, Dzmitry spent eight years teaching in Minsk, notably as the head of the woodwind department. His students achieved significant success in international and regional competitions. In 2021, he joined Harmony Music Center as a woodwind and piano teacher, contributing to music education in Bahrain.
Adjudicators of the Final
Olena Osika
Olena, the Head Judge of the Musician Idol Competition, is an internationally established piano teacher, performer, and the visionary founder of Harmony Music Center in Bahrain. Graduating from the Regional Music College and the Kharkiv State Academy of Culture (Ukraine), she has been a leading figure in Bahrain's music education scene since 2003. In 2009, Olena established Harmony Music Center, and in 2012, she became the founder of the Musician Idol Competition. In addition to being a role model and dynamic leader at Harmony, Olena contributes to Bahrain's cultural life as a music events facilitator, adjudicator of prestigious competitions, and more.
Afshaan Ali
Afshaan is a highly experienced performing arts professional and a dedicated advocate for arts education, based in Dubai (UAE). With a strong background in theatre, communication skills, and education management, she has trained students and professionals in drama, stagecraft, and public speaking. As both a performer and director, Afshaan brings creativity, insight, and professionalism to every production she leads. She holds a Master of Arts in International Politics and a Diploma in Speech and Drama from Trinity College London. Currently serving as the Manager of Trinity College London’s Middle East operations and as a Drama and Communication Skills Specialist, Afshaan continues to inspire confidence, expression, and artistic growth in learners across the region.
Thomas Matthias
Tom graduated with a first-class Bachelor of Music with Honours from Bangor University, where his exceptional work on Philippe Basiron's Missa de Franza earned him the prestigious Robert Pascall Award. He also holds a Primary PGCE from the University of Greenwich and an ABRSM Diploma in Instrumental Teaching. Tom has served as an accompanist for the Maletones Choir, Bitesize Theatre Company, and the Manama Singers. Currently, he is the primary music teacher at Nadeen International School. With his blend of performance experience, teaching expertise, and award-winning background, Tom brings a thoughtful and insightful perspective to his role as a judge.