Born in Moscow, Russia, Ms. Anselmo began taking piano lessons at the age of five under the guidance of her mother, Svetlana Barskaya, renowned for her mastery of piano instruction. Vera continued her music studies at Dunaevsky School of Music, and, thereafter, at Ippollitov-Ivanov College of Music in Moscow. Graduating at the top of her class with a diploma cum lauda, she decided to come to New York City, and to try out at The Juilliard School auditions. Ms. Anselmo was accepted as a full scholarship student, and moved to the United States in 1989 in order to pursue her Bachelor of Music degree.

She continued with her Master of Music degree at The Mannes College of Music where she has been on a part time faculty at the Preparatory and Extension Divisions since 1995. Ms. Anselmo’s solo engagements have included her New York debut at Weill Recital Hall of Carnegie Hall under auspices of Artists International Presentation, Inc., appearances at Steinway & Sons, Mannes College of Music faculty recitals, participation in afternoon recital series arranged by the American Landmark Festivals (ALF), performances at the New York Public Library, St. Peter’s Church, the Russian Consulate, the Russian Cultural Center, Donnell Library Center of the New York Public Library, participation in the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts in Chicago, and in the Masterclass dedicated to the keyboard music of J.S. Bach given by Professor Vladimir Feltsman at the 92nd Street YMCA in New York.

Ms. Anselmo’s international engagements have included multiple appearances in France, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Netherlands. In the last several years, Ms. Anselmo’s focus has been on music education as she aims at developing after-school programs in public schools, kindergartens, and establishing music classes for children with special needs. Today, as Founder and Artistic Director of The Anselmo Academy of  Music and the Arts, Ms. Vera Anselmo is a proud New Yorker, and a music educator.