Anna Samokish
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Summary
Experienced and passionate principal cellist with over 25 years of professional performance in
symphonic, operatic, and chamber music. Known for artistic sensitivity, ensemble leadership, and
international collaborations as both a soloist and chamber musician. Actively involved in cultural
initiatives and education, contributing to the development of young musicians across Brazil and
Europe.
Education
Rimsky-Korsakov Music College, St. Petersburg
1995 — Graduate
Petrozavodsk State Conservatory
2000 — Bachelor’s Degree
2002 — Postgraduate Diploma
Professional Experience
Professor and Cello Section Curator — Amazonian Music Foundation (Fundação Amazônica de Música, FAM), Belém/PA
2025 — present
Teaches cello at the Amazonian Music Foundation (FAM), providing individual lessons focused on
technical improvement and overcoming orchestral challenges.
Serves as curator of the cello sections of the Orquestra Jovem Vale Música (OJVM) and the
Orquestrinha da FAM, coordinating rehearsals, repertoire selection, and the artistic development of
students.
Contributes to the creation of pedagogical and artistic projects aimed at orchestral training and the
promotion of classical music in the Amazon region.
Principal Cellist — Amazonas Philharmonic Orchestra, Manaus
2014 — present
Principal cellist, leading the cello section in symphonic and operatic performances.
Has appeared as soloist on several occasions with both the Amazonas Philharmonic and th Amazonas Chamber Orchestra.
Co-founder and active participant of the Encontro na Selva chamber music festival in Manaus.
Cellist — State Musical Theatre “Zazerkalye”, St. Petersburg
1995 — 2014
Member of the cello section since 1995; appointed principal cellist in 2004.
Participated in numerous festivals and concerts in prestigious concert halls and theatres across Russia and abroad, including Golden Mask, Golden Spotlight, and Panorama of Musical Theatres.
Collaborated with renowned international festivals in Finland, Germany, and the United Arab Emirates.
Guest Professor — Amazonian Music Foundation (Fundação Amazônica de Música, FAM), Belém/AM
Since 2022
Regularly gives cello masterclasses in Belém (Brazil) at the Amazonian Music Foundation.
Works with students of different ages — from music school pupils to university students.
The masterclasses include individual and group lessons focused on solo repertoire, orchestral
excerpts, and chamber music.
Emphasis is placed on developing musical expressiveness, ensemble playing, and artistic
preparation for public performances.
Main projects
Encontro na Selva, Manaus, 2016–2019
International chamber music festival including concerts, masterclasses, and educational activities.
Served as one of the main organizers and performers, participating in artistic planning and performing both as soloist and chamber musician.
Guest artists included Patrick Behringer (USA), Bernardo Santos (Portugal), Tiago Elwanger
(Brazil), Evgeny Zvonkov (USA), Diego Caetano (USA), Ângela Diel, Ney Fialkow, and others.
Founder and Artistic Director — Belle Époque Chamber Ensemble, 2018–2024
Dedicated to promoting chamber music and preserving musical traditions.
String Trio with Mark Taube and Konstantin Katz, 2001–2003
Participated in international festivals in Spain and performed in leading concert halls of St. Petersburg.
Chamber Music Ensemble “ANIMA”, 2005–2014
Laureate of the XII International Astor Piazzolla Award (Italy, 2005).
Performed in various chamber formations (trio, quartet, septet) in Italy, Croatia, Finland, and Japan.
Zazerkalye Theatre Orchestra, 1995–2014
Made significant contributions to orchestral performances at cultural festivals in Russia and abroad, including concerts in Finland and the United Kingdom.
Main recordings
— Music of the Wartime Era — recorded with the St. Petersburg State Academic Symphony Orchestra (Northern Flowers Records).
— Several recordings with the same orchestra for Naxos Records.
— As soloist — Midnight Poems album with Tatiana Aleshina (AZiYA-Plus Studio of
Contemporary Arts, 2009).
Languages
- Russian — Native
- Portuguese — Fluent
- English — Fluent
- German — Start (A1)
Skills
- Principal and orchestral cello performance
- Chamber music leadership
- Solo repertoire interpretation
- Music pedagogy and masterclasses
- Artistic project direction and cultural management