Dr. Larysa Kuzmenko

Biography

Larysa Kuzmenko is a Toronto-based composer and pianist, recognized as a Juno nominee. She has had her music commissioned, performed, broadcast, and recorded by outstanding musicians worldwide. Her performances have taken her to prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. Currently, she is on the staff at the University of Toronto's Faculty of Music, where she teaches piano, harmony, and composition. Her works reflect a strong affinity for mainstream classical music, showcasing a firm melodic sense rooted in traditional, yet extended tonal processes. Larysa has received numerous commissions from institutions like the Ontario Arts Council and has worked as a composer in residence at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Her compositions have gained recognition, with solo piano pieces such as 'In Memoriam Victims Chornobyl' becoming part of the standard repertoire for pianists. She also has several choral works that are frequently performed worldwide. In 2011, she received a Juno nomination for her 'Piano Concerto', which was recorded by prominent pianist Christina Petrowska Quilico. Larysa's compositions have been performed by notable ensembles and orchestras, including the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, and celebrated for their colorful and charming qualities. She has created works that have premiered at significant events, including pieces commissioned for anniversaries and festivals. Larysa Kuzmenko is married to composer, pianist, and conductor Gary Kulesha.

Research Interests

Experience