Anna Smerdova, a 12-year-old piano prodigy from the Czech Republic, made a powerful impression at the 2025 Lugano Music Festival, held on September 25 at the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy. Her performance not only demonstrated exceptional skill but also conveyed a musical sensitivity rarely seen at such a young age.
Her recital featured three demanding pieces: the first movement of Mozart’s Sonata No. 13 in B-flat major, Chopin’s Fantaisie-Impromptu, and Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso. These works challenged both the technical and emotional dimensions of any pianist, but Anna handled them with poise and a maturity that resonated with the audience.
Anna studies under Prof. Maria Narodytska, an acclaimed Ukrainian pianist and composer whose own career includes more than 30 international awards. Under her mentorship, Anna’s artistry continues to evolve and reach new heights. The Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy, where Anna is based, is known for fostering global talent, and her progress stands as a shining example of the academy’s mission. 
This performance is the latest highlight in Anna’s already impressive career. She has secured awards in over 25 international competitions across 13 countries and was the Grand Prize Winner of the 2025 Concert Artists International Competition. Earlier this year, she performed at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall — an achievement that reflects both her dedication and growing international profile.
Anna’s musical path is also a personal journey, with her lineage connected to celebrated Czech composer Josef Bartoš, her great-great-grandfather. At the Lugano Music Festival, her performance paid homage to this legacy with depth and elegance.
