Larissa Shahmatova was elected a Theatrical member on 10 January 2014.
Larissa was born in Vladivostok and started studying violin at age six, winning her first competition at age nine. She subsequently studied in Novosibirsk and at the Moscow Conservatory. Larissa came to the United States in 1993 and studied at the Aspen Music Festival and graduated from Juilliard.
A major prize winner at international and national competitions, Larissa has soloed with symphony orchestras including the Moscow Philharmonic, St. Petersburg Chamber Orchestra, Novosibirsk Philharmonic, Federal Way Philharmonic and the Oregon Symphony.
In addition to playing classical violin, Larissa was until recently the front woman for an alternative rock band performing her original material in New York City clubs. She wrote, arranged and co-produced her debut album Truth Drugs. She also found the time to earn a law degree, and is a member of the City Bar.