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Simona Barbu
Ms. Simona Barbu

Adjunct Instructor
Strings

sb744@msstate.edu
(662) 325-2870

  • D. M. A University of Memphis (ABD) (TN)
  • M. M. Southern Methodist University (TX)
  • B. M. Lynn University (FL)
  • B. M. Timisoara, Romania
  • B. M. Lyceum of Music "Ion Vidu" Timisoara, Romania

Simona Barbu gained public attention as a member of the leading quartet of the Conservatory of Timisoara in her native Romania. In 1999, she made her debut as a soloist in Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme with the Symphonic Orchestra of the Music Conservatory of Timisoara. Simona performed broadly in Romania and United States as a solo and chamber music recitalist. Also, she preformed as an orchestral musician (substitute) in several Philharmonic Orchestras in Romania and in the United States among which we mention: Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Plano Symphony Orchestra, Irving Symphony Orchestra, South-West Symphony Orchestra and Symphony of Americas.

Ms. Barbu began her music studies in violin at the age of 7 and at 15 she continued as a cellist. She graduated as a cellist with the highest distinction in performance at the Conservatory of Music in Timisoara in June 2002. Also, she had attended the Music Conservatory at Lynn University, Florida, under the tutelage of Ms. Johanne Perron. After graduating on May 2004 as the valedictorian of the music department, Simona pursued a Master Degree at Southern Methodist University, Dallas, under the guidance of the renowned American cellists, Nathanel Rosen and Christopher Adkins.

She is currently attending the DMA program at University of Memphis under the assistance of Brazilian cellist, Leo Altino. Simona performed the Dvorak Cello Concerto with Memphis University Symphony Orchestra on February 2007, as the Concerto Competition winner.

Simona has played in master classes directed by: Janos Starker, Aldo Parisot, Timothy Eddy, Andres Diaz, Ole Akahoshi, Carol Ou, Yehuda Hanani, Amid Palesand and others. In summer 2001, she attended the Brevard Summer Music Festival on full scholarship in orchestral performance. In summer 2003 and 2004, she has been accepted to attend on full scholarship the MasterWorks Music Festival in Indiana. During the summer 2005, Simona has performed broadly as part of The International Academy of Music in Italy.