A native of London, Ontario, Anna started studying violin at the age of 10. She took up viola in her teens at the suggestion of her teacher, Sandra Stark, and immediately developed a fondness for the instrument. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in French Language and Literature from the University of Western Ontario, at the same time studying privately with Ralph Aldrich. Ultimately, she decided to pursue music full-time.
Anna has studied with founding Juilliard String Quartet violinist Robert Koff in Boston, as well as at the Royal Conservatory of Music with Rennie Regehr and Steven Dann. In addition to her role as the Madawaska Quartet’s founding violist, she performs regularly as an orchestral and chamber musician with groups such as the National Ballet of Canada, Esprit Orchestra, Toronto Operetta Theatre and the Queen of Puddings Music Theatre. She has also worked for the past nine years as violist for the Shaw Festival, where she is a member of the String Quartet in Residence, the Blue Spruce Quartet.
CBC broadcasts include numerous chamber and orchestral performances throughout Canada. Anna has also performed and recorded with pop artists such as the Cowboy Junkies, Jann Arden, Anne Murray, Bruce Cockburn, Sarah Slean and Tom Cochrane. She has performed at the Juno Awards and has played on recordings for various film and television soundtracks.
Anna is also passionate about travelling and about introducing Classical Music to new audiences wherever they can be reached. Her teaching experience includes private instruction in Toronto as well as at the National and Inter-Provincial Music Camps.
Anna plays a viola made by Johann Lotter in 2006.
