About Us
The Schmidt Trio currently resides in New York City and is in the process of completing their Bachelor’s Degree in Music Performance at New York University. In March 2023, the Schmidt Trio won the Gold Prize in the International Young Artists Competition and made their Carnegie Hall debut in April 2023 with Brahms's Piano Trio No. 1 Op. 8 in B Major. In May 2023, the trio won First Prize in the Charleston International Competition and in June 2024 won First Prize in the International Youth Music Competitions Collegiate Classical Music category. From September to December 2023, the Schmidt Trio was accepted into NYU’s Study Abroad Program in Paris, France. There they had the honor to perform at École normale de musique de Paris, la Fondation des États-Unis, and Maison de l'Île-de-France. The trio was granted the Prix Niki de Saint Phalle for Artistic Excellence presented by Professor Alfred Galichon, director of NYU Paris. This award recognized them for their exceptional creativity, talent and remarkable artistic achievements, showcasing outstanding excellence in artistic expression, and innovation. The Schmidt Trio strongly believes in the representation of young artists and the creation of inclusive environments in the classical music industry. The ensemble takes inspiration from their mentors Giora Schmidt and Naoko Tanaka, who emphasize the importance of young musicians advocating for themselves. In an age where conventional ideologies continue to stand, the trio recognizes the necessity for young artists to actively create their own opportunities to share their passions. They plan to continue producing projects with composers, videographers, photographers, and other rising creatives to mutually support the process of artistic development.
Malka Bobrove
Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, Malka Bobrove began her early piano training at Yamaha Music School. At age 12, she met Claudio José Lisboa Soares and Kojima Hiroko, who encouraged her to pursue piano studies professionally. Malka is currently studying Piano Performance on a full scholarship at NYU Steinhardt with Eduardus Halim, the Sascha Gorodnitzki Chair, and last pupil of the legendary pianist Vladimir Horowitz.
Malka has been awarded several prestigious prizes, including the Osaka Mayor's Award, Gold Prize at the Miotsukushi Music Festival, 1st Place in the Arukas Piano Competition, 1st Place in the Piano Teachers National Association Piano Competition (West Japan Region), Gold Prize in the Chopin Competition in Asia, and 3rd Place in the Chopin Avenue Competition. Since moving to New York, she has performed in off-Broadway cabaret shows, premiered collaborative compositions, and played solo repertoire for senior residents around the city. In Fall 2023, she joined the NYU Paris Study Away program, where she studied with Marie-Catherine Girod at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, further enriching her musical experience abroad. She has also played in masterclasses with esteemed pianists such as Rintaro Akamatsu, Hibiki Tamura, Beata Bilinska, Sara Davis Buechner, and Yoo Jung Kim.
During the pandemic, Malka organized an online concert to provide artists with a platform to share their passion in difficult times. She also has experience composing for concert settings and has learned the importance of collaboration in her growth as a musician. Malka believes that young artists have the power to inspire, heal, and spread joy through the arts. She looks forward to organizing more events with the Schmidt Trio, creating opportunities for artistic collaboration that continue to inspire her and those around her.
Noelia Carrasco
Noelia Carrasco is a versatile cellist currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance at New York University under the tutelage of Marion Feldman. She has also spent time studying at École normale de musique de Paris with Anssi Karttunen. Noelia was a fellow in the Vargas-Vetter/ Ukena 2020-21 Fellowship for students in underserved communities where she received a grant and mentorship with cellist Christine Lamprea. In the fall of 2020, Noelia took part in the recording of the debut album of the New York Youth Symphony, Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman. The album reached number one on the Billboard Charts for Traditional Classical Albums in May 2022 and won a Grammy for best Orchestral Performance in February 2023. Noelia has appeared on many other notable projects, including the opening ceremony for the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival premiere of the documentary The Conductor, the 2021 Fourth of July CNN television special with Billy Ray Cyrus, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon performing with recording artist JVKE, and the Peacock television series Long Bright River. In June 2024, Noelia was featured in a showcase held for NY Techweek at Pete’s Candy Store and performed with Second Ending Ensemble at Jazz at Lincoln Center.
In the past few years, Noelia has committed her time to non-profit organizations such as the Paterson Music Project, the Back to Bach Project, and the Youth Orchestra of Saint Luke’s. Her desire to use music for social change led her to organize a virtual concert during the COVID-19 pandemic fundraising for the Black Lives Matter movement. In June 2024, Noelia joined PROTESTRA in their benefit concert to support Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Anera, charities providing emergency relief to those affected in Gaza. As a young, BIPOC musician, Noelia’s experiences have cultivated her passion to make music accessible to underserved and underrepresented communities. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for diverse young artists to connect within the music world and have their voices heard through a shared passion for music.
Angel Guanga
Angel Guanga is currently in the process of completing his undergraduate degree in Violin Performance at New York University under Cyrus Beroukhim, Music Associate Professor of String Studies. Angel started his violin studies at the age of 14 and worked with Madeleine Jansen for 3 years prior to moving to New York City. Angel has played in numerous masterclasses under renowned musicians such as Sheryl Staples, Katherina Kang, Daniel Phillips, Melissa White, Brennan Sweet, and Max Zorin. Angel was a member of the New Jersey Youth Symphony Orchestra conducted by Henry Kao from 2017-2020 and the New Jersey Youth Symphony conducted by Helen Cha-Pyo for the 2020-21 season. He received an Honorable Mention in the New Jersey Youth Symphony Concerto Competition in 2021 for his performance of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto Op.14, and attended Luzerne Music Center Festival, NYU String Intensive, and Roundtop Music Festival.
In March 2022, Angel performed with Orchestra Amadeus in their Concert for Ukraine to fundraise for those affected by the Ukraine War. Driven by the inspiration that his past mentors instilled in him, Angel strives to challenge the traditional misconception that musicians must begin their studies at an early age in order to be successful. He aspires to provide resources and guidance for young students who are intimidated to pursue a career in music at an older age.