Pianist and harpist Larisa Smirnova comprises the diverse talents of an accomplished musical artist: soloist, orchestral musician, accompanist, and inspiring pedagogue.
Born and educated in Russia, she received her Bachelor of Music in Lipezk Igumnov`s College of Music specialized in piano teaching, solo performance, chamber music, and accompaniment.
Her Master’s Degree in Piano and Harp Performance and Piano Pedagogy was earned from the Moscow State University of Culture and Arts where she studied piano with Professor Svetlana Karas and harp with Professor Margarita Maslennikova. Primary among her current mentors in performance and pedagogy is Brian Ganz of the Peabody Conservatory, Maryland, with whom she supports a longstanding professional connection.
As soloist and accompanist she has given numerous recitals in Russia (Moscow, Great Composers Performance Hall) and throughout Northern California (CSU Sacramento, UC Davis, Sonoma University, Mondavi Center, among others). She has also performed with the Auburn Symphony, Folsom Symphony, Camellia Symphony, and Camerata California.