Anna Kozak
Violin I
Anna was born in Poland to Ukrainian parents. She started violin lessons at age 7, and once her family immigrated to Canada, she continued her violin education in Toronto.
Anna holds a Bachelor of Music degree from University of Toronto and a Master of Music Degree from University of Calgary. She joined the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in 2001, after winning an international audition.
Anna is a dedicated violinist, dividing her time between the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, where she plays in the first violin section; Alberta Baroque Ensemble as the Assistant Concertmaster, and Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton where she is the Principal Second Violin and member of the Board of Directors. On numerous occasions, she has performed as a soloist with all of these orchestras.
Anna’s career as an orchestral musician has not only given her an outlet to share the love of live music but allowed het to satisfy her passion for travel. Notably, she has been on tour with the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra performing in most prestigious concert halls of Europe and in New York performing at the Carnegie Hall with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
Anna always felt that a more intimate setting of chamber music allows for a closer interaction between the musicians and the audience, and therefore is a unique and rewarding experience. It is the draw of that fulfilling experience that has made her an active chamber musician throughout her career.
Being of Ukrainian heritage, Anna has always been very interested in Ukrainian music. In 2019 she and pianist, Leanne Regehr presented a recital of Ukrainian violin and piano music titled “Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors” performing pieces by Kosenko, Meitus, Skoryk, and Silvestrov.
In 2024, Anna curated an all Ukrainian program for the Chamber Orchestra of Edmonton under the title “Spirit of Ukraine”. Among the pieces on the program was a Violin Concerto by a contemporary Ukrainian composer Alexander Rodin, a dramatic and virtuosic piece for which Anna had the privilege to perform the solo violin part.
Alongside performing, Anna finds it fulfilling to share her passion and knowledge with her students. She holds a small private studio and teaches at the annual Wye Strings Camp.
Anna has the privilege to perform on a violin made in Florence in 1770 by Giovanni Battista Gabrielli.
Outside of music, Anna loves dogs and she loves to travel. Together with her husband, she raised three Great Danes and travelled to over 25 countries; discovering exciting architecture, food, and diverse approaches to everyday life - a subject she finds very fascinating.
