Twelve-year-old Czech pianist Anna Smerdova recently delivered a stunning recital at the Lugano Music Festival, captivating both audiences and critics with her exceptional command of classical music. Held on September 25, 2025, at the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy, the event showcased the young prodigy’s refined technique and mature interpretations that stood far beyond her years.
Anna performed a powerful program that included Mozart’s Sonata No. 13 in B-flat major (first movement), Chopin’s iconic Fantaisie-Impromptu, and Mendelssohn’s Rondo Capriccioso. Each piece brought a different emotional and technical challenge, but Anna rose to every moment with poise and expressive depth, earning enthusiastic praise from the crowd.
The festival appearance adds to her growing list of accomplishments. In 2025, she was named Grand Prize Winner of the Concert Artists International Competition and took the stage at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in May. Her accolades span over 25 international competitions across 13 countries, marking her as one of the most promising young musicians in the global classical scene. 
Currently studying under Ukrainian pianist and composer Prof. Maria Narodytska, who holds more than 30 awards from international competitions, Anna continues to grow under world-class mentorship. Prof. Narodytska’s guidance at the Tiziano Rossetti International Music Academy plays a vital role in shaping Anna’s artistic journey.
Her legacy as a musician is deeply rooted — she is the great-great-granddaughter of renowned Czech composer Josef Bartoš, a lineage she honors with every performance. Anna’s presence at the Lugano Music Festival not only solidifies her status as a rising international star but also hints at an exciting future in classical music.
