Anna Vavilova

Professional website: www.annavavilovapianist.com YouTube: www.youtube.com/@AnnaVavilovaPianist Sonore Music Society: www.sonoremusicsociety.com Latvian–Canadian pianist Dr. Anna Vavilova is a highly respected figure in the Canadian music community and a recipient of the Top 25 Music Alumni Award from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the field. She has been honoured with prestigious scholarships from both the Vancouver Foundation and the BC Arts Council, and was named a finalist in the Pacific Spotlight Competition on CBC Radio Two, showcasing her artistry on a national stage. Dr. Vavilova currently serves as the Artistic Director of the Sonore Music Society and Co-Director of the International Mark Rothko Competition of Young Performers of Modern Music (markrothkocompetition.com)—a groundbreaking global initiative that fosters the next generation of musicians and promotes contemporary music across Europe, Asia, and North America Recent News! In June 2025, Dr. Vavilova served as adjudicator for the Intermediate, Advanced Piano, and Provincial Excellence classes at the Provincial Chapter of the Kiwanis Music Festival in Victoria, BC. She was also entrusted with the important responsibility of overseeing and selecting scholarship recipients, recognizing some of the most exceptional young musicians in the province. In June 2025, Dr. Anna Vavilova published her highly anticipated new book, The Piano Parent’s Guide (available on Amazon), a valuable resource designed to empower and support parents as they navigate the often complex world of piano education. Drawing on her decades of experience as a performer, educator, and adjudicator, Dr. Vavilova offers practical insights and guidance tailored specifically for families beginning their musical journey. (continue with her bio...) Anna Vavilova was raised in a musical and cultural environment of teachers, composers, and performing artists in the direct lineage of Frédéric Chopin. While pursuing her M.Mus. degree at the University of British Columbia, her principal teacher Henri-Paul Sicsic was a grand disciple of Alfred Cortot, one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century. Other distinguished mentors included Prof. Kum Sing Lee, Dr. Sara Davis Buechner, and Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov. During her studies, she participated in masterclasses with renowned musicians such as V. Monastyrski (Israel), Aquiles Delle Vigne (Argentina), and Martha Noguera (Argentina), and attended piano festivals in the US, France, and Russia. Dr. Vavilova is a distinguished RCM Certified piano teacher across Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels. Her exemplary qualifications extend to certification in teaching beginner and intermediate theory through RCM. She holds memberships in both the BCRMTA (BC Registered Music Teachers Association) and the CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers’ Associations), underscoring her esteemed standing in the music education community. In 2023, Dr. Vavilova founded the Sonore Music Society, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural fabric of the local community through music. Under her visionary leadership, the Society launched several meaningful initiatives. The first, titled “Boundless Harmonies,” brings together children and youth who volunteer their musical talents to uplift and connect with seniors. The 2023–2024 season featured five concerts, powerfully demonstrating the transformative impact of music and the spirit of community service. The second major initiative is the Mark Rothko Competition—an ambitious international collaboration spanning Europe, Asia, and North America, designed to promote and celebrate modern music among youth performers worldwide. Throughout her years in Canada, Dr. Vavilova has performed both solo and chamber music, collaborating with distinguished local and international musicians, including the Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet, Bo Peng, Lee Duckles, Alvin Tran, and Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov. Her most cherished performance venues include Abbaye de Pontlevoy (France), Chan Centre, Vancouver Art Gallery, Silk Purse, KPU Langley, Port Theatre, and others. A passionate and dedicated mentor, Dr. Vavilova is deeply committed to nurturing both aspiring and accomplished young performers. Her students consistently achieve top placements in local and international competitions and festivals, leaving her studio not only with musical excellence but also with the discipline, confidence, and inspiration to pursue their goals. Many of her students go on to study music at prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School (New York), the University of Montreal, Berklee College of Music, and the University of British Columbia, often earning full scholarships in recognition of their talent and preparation. She currently resides in Richmond, BC, with her husband Joe and their beloved dog, Masha.