Lilia Zaiarna

Lilia Grigorievna Zaiarna (12 September, 1961 - 3 January, 2008) was a Ukrainian pianist and composer. Known for her musicality and interpretation, Zaiarna was also renowned for her vast piano repertoire and ability to improvise under numerous styles of music.

Biography

Lilia Zaiarna was born in Ukraine to a small family of musicians, first taught by her parents. She left behind one son, Alexander, known as "Sasha" to close friends and family.

Early career

Zaiarna's first performance took place on Ukrainian television at the age of six. A few years following the event of her performance, she began her studies at the Lysenko School of Music for Gifted Children in Kiev. During her studies at the Lysenko Music School, Zaiarna often appeared before the public in Ukraine and outside of the country in numerous recitals and concerts with the orchestra.

Mid Years

In the National Academy of Music of Ukraine, Lilia Zaiarna studied piano with Vitaliy Sechkin, pianist and composer, where she received her Master’s Degree. After returning from two years with the Kiev State Theater of Opera and Ballet as a coach-accompanist, Zaiarna came back to the National Academy to receive her Certificate of a Professor-Performer while remaining a full-time faculty member at the Kiev Conservatory. During this time, Lilia Zaiarna also performed as a solo pianist and harpsichordist, collaborating with famous Ukrainian musicians Gorohov, Tchervov, Kotorovitch, and Basistuk.

Later Years

In 1994, Zaiarna studied chamber music at the Geneva Conservatory of Music while playing recitals, combining classical repertoire with improvisations in different styles of music.Lilia Zaiarna moved to Miami, Florida in 1999 and began teaching at the New World School of the Arts public magnet school.

While at New World, she performed Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the NWSA Wind Ensemble under Rodester Brandon in addition to Rachmaninoff's "Second Piano Concerto" with the NWSA Symphony Orchestra under Alfred Gershfeld.

Lilia Zaiarna spent time performing as soloist and as accompanist in Miami while still teaching.

Accomplishments

Zaiarna’s awards included first prizes in the International Piano Competition in Prague, as well as the Ukrainian Competition in Composition.

Throughout her life, Lilia Zaiarna performed in the Ukraine, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, France, China and the United States.

References

* http://nwsa.mdc.edu/col_deg_music/faculty/faculty.html