June 12, 2026
The Butler School of Music will welcome internationally acclaimed pianist, educator, and arts leader Anna Petrova as Associate Professor of Piano this fall.
Petrova arrives in Austin with a distinguished career that spans the concert stage, the classroom, and non-profit leadership work around the globe. As a performer, she has appeared as a soloist with major orchestras across Europe and the United States, including the Virginia Symphony, Monterey Symphony, Manhattan Chamber Sinfonia, Louisville Orchestra, the Iași and Timișoara Philharmonics, Valencia Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra of Wallonia, and major orchestras in her native Bulgaria.
Anna Petrova performing with the Louisville Orchestra.
Her work as an educator has been equally far-reaching. Petrova regularly presents masterclasses at institutions throughout Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Her dedication to music education extends well beyond traditional classrooms. Through the Novel Voices Refugee Aid Project, she was honored by the United Nations for her work supporting refugees through music.
While her résumé spans continents, Petrova's musical journey began in Bulgaria. She grew up studying at the prestigious Dobrin Petkov National School of Music and Dance Arts in Plovdiv, a specialized arts academy where music and artistic training shaped nearly every aspect of daily life.
One of the most important influences in her development was her piano teacher, Svetlana Koseva (Светлана Косева), who is widely regarded as one of Bulgaria's leading piano pedagogues. Decades later, Petrova remains in regular contact with her former teacher.
Following high school, Petrova moved to New York City to attend the Manhattan School of Music, where she earned her bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. She chose the institution specifically to study with legendary pianists Horacio Gutiérrez and André-Michel Schub.
"They were much more than teachers," Petrova said. "They were mentors."
That experience continues to shape her own philosophy as an educator.
"That mentorship relationship was transformative for me, and I hope to foster that same environment for my students. I’m excited to bring my varied musical experience and lead by example at the Butler School of Music."
Although Petrova has spent much of her career traveling internationally, Texas is hardly unfamiliar territory. Following her graduation from the Manhattan School of Music, she joined the faculty at Sam Houston State University, where she taught for three years before moving to Louisville.
"It was my first real introduction to Texas culture and Texas hospitality," she said. "I'm very excited to return."
In fact, despite her extensive international travels, Petrova says she has probably visited Austin more than any other city outside the places she has lived. Much of that connection stems from her work as the co-founder and co-artistic director of ATX Chamber Music and Jazz, an organization she continues to lead.
Anna Petrova performing with ATX Chamber Music and Jazz, photo by Suzanne Cordeiro
Through the organization, Petrova has not only performed regularly herself but has worked tirelessly to bring world-class artists to Austin audiences. In recent years, the series has presented internationally renowned performers including Jeremy Denk, Yefim Bronfman, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, and Stephen Hough.
When discussing the organization's mission, Petrova speaks with unmistakable passion.
“ATX Chamber Music and Jazz was founded around the idea that extraordinary music can be a powerful tool to bring our community together, and we’re so proud to offer this innovative concert format in the Live Music Capital of the World and enrich our community with leading classical and jazz artists.”
That commitment is driven as much by the community as by the music itself.
"The community is wonderful," she said. "I've gotten to know so many amazing people. I love how welcoming and open-minded everyone has been."
"I've been really inspired by the people here, their creativity, their ideas, and their warmth."
And while music may be what first brought her to Austin, it is not the only thing that keeps drawing her back.
"Every time I'm here, there's always something new to discover," she said with a laugh. "I love the food and restaurant scene. There's always a new place to explore."