fact caught up with Anastasia Dukhanina, founder of Lux Entertainment and Events, to learn about her musical journey.
Your musical journey began at a very early age. Did you always know that this was something you wanted to pursue as a career?
I didn’t originally plan to become a musician. I was playing the piano from a very young age, but I didn’t imagine it would become my main profession. Music was simply part of my life. That changed when I was around 11 years old, when I consciously decided to pursue a full professional musical education. From that moment, music became not just a passion, but a direction.
You’ve been in Qatar eight years now. What first attracted you to the country, and has it lived up to your expectations?
Qatar felt like a safe, elegant and promising place to begin a career. There was a strong sense of opportunity and stability that immediately resonated with me. Over the years, it has fully lived up to my expectations, offering space to grow creatively and professionally while allowing me to build something meaningful.
You’ve performed at major luxury brand events in front of VVIP audiences, producing soundtracks for the likes of RollsRoyce, Chopard and Dior. Do you get nervous before such performances, and can you choose a favourite? What made that event special?
With experience, the nervousness fades. I stopped feeling nervous before performances some time ago, which allows me to focus completely on the music and the atmosphere. One of the most special projects for me was the music production for Amal Ameen’s perfume launch. She created a bespoke music box for the fragrance, accompanied by a screen playing a video featuring me and the original music I composed specifically for the product. For the shoot, we transported a crystal grand piano to Sealine, creating a visually and emotionally powerful moment. It was a beautiful fusion of music, storytelling and design.
In 2024, you progressed from freelance musician to entrepreneur when you launched Lux Entertainment and Events. What prompted you to take the step into the business side of entertainment, and what does the company do?
The journey began in 2019, when I brought a crystal grand piano to Doha. It was the first of its kind in Qatar, even before similar instruments appeared in major venues. The idea was to introduce a distinctive instrument for live event performances.
In 2023, I introduced the first harp used for event performances in Qatar and soon after, the concept expanded into a full team of musicians performing together. I work exclusively with professional artists, carefully selecting each one. The core vision has always been to combine exceptional musicianship with refined visual presentation, including custom-designed costumes, to create unforgettable performances.
Today, Lux Entertainment and Events curates live musical experiences ranging from intimate ensembles to large-scale productions, including musicians and dance performances for all types of events.
As well as still performing, you also compose the music for your events and design costumes. Which part of the process brings you the most satisfaction, and what are your plans for the future of the company?
What brings me the greatest satisfaction is creating something entirely new. I love developing an idea from its very first sound to its final visual expression. Looking ahead, my goal is to grow Lux Entertainment and Events into one of the most recognised and successful creative entertainment companies in the Middle East. We are also planning to expand into production and full-event operations, offering complete, immersive entertainment experiences.
On a more personal note, what do you enjoy doing outside of music? And if you were introducing a visitor to Qatar for the first time, what three things would you recommend seeing or doing?
Outside of [piano] music, I enjoy painting, travelling and playing the harp, which allows me to experience sound in a more delicate and intuitive way. I’m deeply inspired by art in all its forms and by discovering authentic experiences and cultures.
If I were introducing someone to Qatar for the first time, I would recommend experiencing the beauty of Sealine, visiting Souq Waqif to feel the true rhythm of the country and enjoying the sea during good weather. Qatar also offers an exceptional culinary scene, and exploring its restaurants is always part of the experience. ✤
