Dr. Irena Ravitskaya

Assistant Professor of Music
D. M., Indiana University
M. M., Boise State University
B. M., Moldova State Conservatory
Piano, Collaborative Piano
Office: Malloy 139
Phone: (785) 628-5362
Email: iaravitskaya@fhsu.edu

Dr. Irena Ravitskaya enjoys a dynamic performing and teaching career that has taken her across Europe and the United States.

Born in Moldova (Former Soviet Union), Irena Ravitskaya began playing the piano at age six and at age nine won the National Competition of Moldova. Irena had her first musical training in her native town, where she attended the State School of Music. At age sixteen, Irena won the Young Artists State Competition, followed by an invitation to perform with the National Symphony Orchestra. Her performances have been broadcast on National Radio and Moldova State Television. She later studied at Moldova State Conservatory where her principal teacher was Alexander Paley.

Immigrating to the U.S. in 1995 opened new opportunities for Irena. Irena received her Doctor of Music degree in Piano Performance with Luba Edlina-Dubinsky, a member of world famous Borodin Trio, at Indiana University and her Master of Music degree with Del Parkinson at Boise State University. Irena also studied chamber music with Vladimir Spivakov, Nelli Shkolnikova, James Campbell, Paul Biss, and Miriam Fried.

Irena's repertoire encompasses works from Baroque to Modern, with a particular interest in the music of Beethoven, Chopin, and Russian composers. Orchestral engagements include Moldova State Philharmonic, Moldova National Orchestra, Boise State Symphony Orchestra, Fort Wayne Philharmonic, and Indiana University Symphony Orchestra. Aside from extensive solo engagements, she is in high demand as a chamber and vocal collaborator. Among Irena's chamber engagements are Edwin V. Lacy, Yuval Gotlibovich, Ilya and Olga Kaler, and Ian Clark. Irena's secondary area of interest is music history. Her doctoral dissertation on Shostakovich's works composed between 1930 and 1936 is undergoing final preparations for publishing. A highly sought-after lecturer, Irena has given numerous lectures and presentations on such subjects as Beethoven's late quartets, Brahms's piano trios, Russian piano music, Shostakovich, quotation in music, and etc.

Dr. Ravitskaya taught on the faculties at Indiana University and Boise State University. Currently, she is Assistant Professor of Music at Fort Hays State University.