Anna Banko Szumacher

Anna Banko Szumacher, originally from Krakow, has made Limerick her home since 2004. An accomplished musician, Anna is an alumna of the prestigious Secondary Music School in Krakow, where she honed her talents as a violinist, pianist, composer, and singer. She holds a Certificate in Music and Dance and a Bachelor of Arts in Voice, and she was awarded First Class Honors from the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance in Limerick. She is furthering her studies with a Master’s in Community Music.

Anna is the visionary director and conductor of the Cantate Deo Choir, where she has curated an eclectic repertoire that includes Latin, Polish, and English choral music. Under her leadership, Cantate Deo achieved first prize at the Limerick Choir Festival in 2017. Her work as a director and conductor reflects her deep passion for music and her commitment to fostering community through the arts.

Anna’s commitment to music education is truly inspiring. With a rich background in producing, directing, and performing, she has played a pivotal role in numerous concerts, music productions, and fundraising events. She is particularly dedicated to working with young people, inspiring them with the transformative power of music. Her roles as Musical Director for productions at Saint Anne’s Community College in Killaloe and as a vocal coach for the PAF project “In Search of Identity” funded by the Limerick City and County Council, showcase her versatility and unwavering dedication to music education.

Anna’s belief in the power of music to change the world is truly inspiring. In addition to her educational and directorial work, she is a regular collaborator and performer at the Polish Arts Festival. Her diverse repertoire spans classical music, oratorio songs, popular music, and musicals. As a composer, she is passionate about creating music for a variety of occasions, always driven by her belief in the power of music to change the world—a philosophy inspired by Beethoven’s words, “Music can change the world.”

Anna’s life and work are a testament to her unwavering dedication to spreading the joy of music wherever she goes, making a lasting impact in every community she touches.