Galina Barskaya began studying piano at the age of four and started to perform professionally as early as seven years old.  She got her BM and MM at Kiev State College and Kiev State Conservatory in USSR, where she studied piano, organ, conducting, music history, and composition.  She toured extensively in Russia, Ukraine, and other parts of the former USSR.  

 

Since coming to the United States in 1993, Ms. Barskaya has established herself as a soloist, chamber musician, accompanist, and teacher.  Ms. Barskaya has been on staff at Santa Monica College and California State University at Long Beach as well as a founding member of several chamber ensembles. In the Los Angeles area, she has performed at numerous venues including the Alex Theater and the prestigious Hollywood Bowl.  

 

Ms. Barskaya has been involved in different religious music programs as Music Director/Conductor (as well as pianist/organist) at the Emerson UU Church, Kehillat Israel, and Lutheran Church of the Master.  She created the "Musical Explorations" concert series and was its founding Artistic Director 2001 to 2009. Before founding the IOC, she was also Music Director of the LA Metropolitan Opera--an opera company based in the Pacific Palisades--from 2009 to 2012. She Also directed Mespotamian Opera Company and has been involved with VOPA, Mission Opera and VTO as Music Director and/or Principal Pianist.

 

Presently, she is on the faculty of Occidental College, the Music Director at St. Andrews Lutheran Church, and the Founding Music Director/CEO of Independent Opera Company.