Program and Artist Biography

Anastasia Petanova began to play the flute at age four and gave her first public performance at five. In 1990, she entered the Central Music School of the Moscow State Conservatory, where she studied with Uriy N. Dolzhikov. She completed her Bachelor of Music degree in flute performance at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, on full scholarship and as a grant recipient. Ms. Petanova then became the first flutist to enter the prestigious Artist Diploma program at Peabody, where she continues her studies with the renowned flutist Marina Piccinini.

Ms. Petanova has performed in major concert halls in Russia and the countries of the former Soviet Union as well as in France, Austria, Great Britain, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, Germany, the United States, and Canada. For many years, Ms. Petanova collaborated as a soloist with the Russian State Chamber Orchestra, “Moscow Virtuosi," directed and conducted by Vladimir Spivakov (who has invited her to perform with the legendary Russian National Orchestra in Russia and abroad). She performed for the former president of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, during his visit to Paris in 2001, and she performed for UNESCO members at a private concert in Paris later the same year.

In April 2004, Ms. Petanova was awarded a flute crafted by Brannen Brothers, Inc., as a special gift from the Vladimir Spivakov International Charity Foundation. She performed on it for the first time at the Russian Ambassador’s residence in Washington, D.C.

A pianist of unique versatility, Timothy Hoft has given performances in France, Italy, the Czech Republic, England, Scotland, and all over the United States. Originally from Michigan, Mr. Hoft began to play the piano at age ten and gave his first public performance the same year. In 2006, Mr. Hoft was awarded a fellowship through the La Gesse Foundation, sponsored by Princess Cecilia de Medici, giving him numerous performances in Europe and in the United States, including one in Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall. Mr. Hoft is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from the Peabody Conservatory of Music, studying under the renowned pianist Benjamin Pasternack.