Versatile English/Dutch violist Anna Smith studied modern languages at Cambridge University and viola at the Royal Academy of Music, London.
Since moving to the Netherlands in 2012 she has performed regularly as a freelancer with orchestras including Amsterdam Sinfonietta, the Royal Concertgebouw, Nederlands Kamerorkest/Nederlands Philharmonisch, Radio Filharmonisch and Residentie orchestras.
Previously a member of the Hallé Orchestra, Manchester (2008-12), she also played regularly with the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic and the Royal Philharmonic.
A natural chamber musician and passionate about contemporary music, she has been the dedicatee of several chamber and solo works by composers including Artem Vassiliev, Aziza Sadikova and Alan Swanson. Recent projects include Tavener's "To a Child Dancing in the Wind" and accessible contemporary Estonian works with the Aleida ensemble (soprano, flute, viola and harp).
In 2024 Anna gained her Master of Music degree (historical viola and viola d'amore) from Utrecht Conservatorium where she studied with Antoinette Lohmann. Her exploration of historically informed performance practice has brought a whole new dimension to her music making. She has worked with the Orchestra of the Eighteenth Century, Anima Eterna (Belgium) Furor Musicus and Johannette Zomer's Tulipa Ensemble.
She is currently researching works for viola and viola d'amore by Rust, which she plans to record with artists including cellist extraordinaire Jacopo Ristori.
Finally, Anna is passionate about tango (playing and dancing!) and in 2016 joined Orquestra Típica Mala Pinta to perform and promote new Dutch tangos.