– Anna, tell us about your story in America. Where did you study and work before moving to Texas? Was Texas your original choice or did you just happen to end up there?
I arrived in the United States in August 2019 from Georgia. I was born and raised in Georgia. I graduated from the Yerevan State Conservatory, named after A. Komitas in Armenia in 2011, studying fortepiano. Afterwards, I returned to Georgia, where I began to build a career in the musical field. Before coming to the United States, I worked in a ten-year music school, in an orchestra, and also in a choir school as a piano teacher and accompanist. I collaborated with the best choirs in Georgia, among which was the youth choir Tutarchela, with whom I toured Europe. I have participated in numerous international festivals and in 2017 I even won the nomination “Concertmaster of the Year” at the International Choir Festival in Tbilisi. I ended up in the United States completely by accident. It was because I found out about a summer program for musicians in different categories in Santa Barbara. I submitted my entries for participation. One of the teachers in this program suggested that I try to attend the University of Texas to take her class (she teaches at the Butler School of Music) I passed the TOEFL, as well as all the necessary exams. Soon the university notified me that not only was I accepted, but also with high scores. So I ended up in the UT Master’s program, studying to be an opera coach. This is my second master’s degree. In the second year of my master’s degree, the university approved my candidacy for the position of Teacher Assistant. By the way, in January of this year I entered my doctorate in opera coach class. Texas was not initially my first choice and I came here solely to study under an amazing teacher!
– When did you start making music?
I started to study music at the age of 7. Frankly, I was never distinguished by the gift and talent of a pianist, but I always liked to play music. Ever since childhood I loved being on the stage.
– Do you like teaching music to children?
I really enjoy working with children. Even though my profession involves working with opera singers, conductors, and directors, it is especially interesting to work with children. They are sincere, kind, and pure.
– Which of your projects are the most memorable and why?
The opera Don Giovani by Mozart was my first project in the USA. I played the clavier for rehearsals and performances. Just a couple of days before the start of the covid, our school hosted a premiere of Benjamin Britten’s opera Turn of the Screw. I performed as an opera accompanist, and then played the piano and harpsichord parts in the orchestra. The opera was a success, and I’m thankful I had the opportunity to take part in such an extraordinary project.
– What do you like most about Austin and Texas in general?
I like Austin’s good weather, the local people are very friendly and, most importantly, the level of education for which I came here is very high quality.
– What habits have you kept from pre-Texas life?
The only habit that I have kept from pre-Texas life is round-the-clock music lessons. Yes, I’m not exaggerating, I really do practice 10 hours a day on top of rehearsals. The only time I am not practicing is when I’m asleep.
– How is your relationship with your homeland developing? Do you miss any aspect of life in your homeland?
I have the warmest relationship with my homeland. After completing my doctoral studies, I will return to my homeland. I believe that my work is necessary for my country. The homeland is waiting for me! Here I go through qualifications, improve my knowledge level, and also gain professional experience. Here my life is so rich that I don’t have time to miss it. But I still know that I will return to Russia. This thought keeps me from missing it too much!
– Please tell us about your family.
I was born into an ordinary family. My dad is an engineer and my mom is a primary school teacher. In my family, only I am in the music field. I am one of five children, myself being the eldest. All 5 have different professions. One sister is a fashion designer, another sister is a successful architect, one brother is a businessman, and the youngest brother is studying at the Moscow University in the faculty of nanoelectronics. This year he is completing his master’s degree, and is also involved in science in the same field.
– How do you participate in the Russian-speaking community in Texas?
Unfortunately, I do not participate in the life of the Russian-speaking community, due to limited time. But Facebook helps us with this, so I am able to watch the joyful events of the Russian-speaking community in Texas!
– What are your favorite books and films?
I really love Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” and Bulgakov’s “The Master and Margarita”. As for films, I really like cinema comics such as “Batman” and “The Dark Knight”.
– What would you like to wish for the Russian-speaking residents of Austin and Texas?
I would like to wish the Russian speakers in Austin good luck, prosperity, and health. They are all so great.
Contact information:
Ana Moiseeva, Pianist
The University of Texas at Austin
College of Fine Arts, Butler School of Music
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnaMoiseeva87