Anna Gasanova, born in Greensboro, North Carolina to Armenian parents, began her viola studies at the age of nine. She attended the University of North Carolina School of the Arts for high school and continued her education at the Eastman School of Music, where she completed both her undergraduate and graduate degrees. While at Eastman, Anna served as principal violist for the Eastman Philharmonia and was a member of the conducting graduate quartet. Passionate about chamber music, she was also the Celentano Chamber Music Teaching Assistant during her graduate studies. A lover of contemporary music, Anna worked closely with Brad Lubman in the Music Nova Ensemble, premiering works by composers such as Augusta Read Thomas and Robert Morris.
Anna's achievements include receiving the 2019 Edward Hosharian Music Foundation Award, which supports music students of Armenian heritage. She has performed at the Skaneateles Music Festival and currently substitutes with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and Syracuse Symphony Orchestra. Anna has also served as Guest Principal Violist with the Peoria Symphony Orchestra and performed with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra during their 2022-2023 season. Additionally, she played a key role in launching the Eastman Performing Arts Medicine program, which brings live music to hospital settings. Her prominent teachers include Masumi Rostad, Carol Rodland, and Sheila Browne.
Throughout her career, Anna has participated in masterclasses with renowned violists such as Caroline Coade, Jeffrey Irvine, Steven Tenenbom, and Ivo van der Werff. Her diverse experience and dedication to both performance and education have established her as a versatile and accomplished violist.