Biography

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.

: University of BC ~ Mark Rothko Competition

: University of BC ~ Mark Rothko Competition

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 —a groundbreaking global initiative that fosters the next generation of musicians and promotes contemporary music across Europe, Asia, and North America.

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.

: Paris, Frace ~ International Compeititon

: Rome, Italy ~ Piano Camp

: New York ~ Steinway Factory

: Perugia, Italy ~ Piano Camp

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.

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Dr. Anna 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. Dr. Vavilova holds membership in both the BCRMTA (BC Registered Music Teachers Association) and CFMTA (Canadian Federation of Music Teachers Association), underscoring her esteemed standing in the music education community.

Anna Vavilova was raised in a musical and cultural environment of teachers, composers and performing artists in the direct lineage of Chopin. While pursuing her M.Mus. degree in University of BC, her teacher Henri-Paul Sicsic was a grand disciple of Alfred Cortot, one of the most prominent musicians of the 20th century. Cortot himself was a grand pupil of Frédéric Chopin. Among other distinguished teachers were prof. Kum Sing Lee, Dr. Sara Davis – Buechner (UBC) and Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov (UBC). During her university years Ms. Vavilova took masterclasses from world renowned musicians: V. Monastyrski (Israel), Aquiles Delle Vigne (Argentina), Martha Noguera (Argentina) and attended piano summer festivals in the US, France and Russia. In 2002 Anna appeared with the Vancouver Island Symphony (Marlin Wolfe, conductor). In 2005 Anna Vavilova was a finalist at the Pacific Spotlight Competition on CBC Radio Two, and has been awarded the Vancouver Foundation Scholarship (2005) and the BC Arts Council Scholarship (2006) to continue her graduate studies. In 2021 Anna Vavilova received her Ph. D. candidacy from MSU, Russia.

On the picture: with Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet after the concert

Throughout all of her years in Canada, Dr. Anna Vavilova has been continuously performing solo and chamber music collaborating with international and local musicians: Rimsky-Korsakov String Quartet, Bo Peng (cello), Lee Duckles (cello), Alvin Tran (violin) and Dr. Eugene Skovorodnikov (piano). Among the most beloved performance venues are: Abbaye de Pontlevoy (France), Chan Centre (Vancouver), VAG (Vancouver), Silk Purse (West Vancouver), World of Music and Arts (Richmond), KPU (Langley), Port Theatre (Nanaimo) and many others.

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.

She currently resides in Richmond, BC, with her husband Joe and their beloved dog, Masha.