About Us
Formed during their undergraduate studies at New York University, the Schmidt Trio is a dynamic ensemble currently pursuing Master of Music (MM) degrees at leading music schools across New York City- Manhattan School of Music, Mannes School of Music at The New School, and New York University- after earning their Bachelor of Music (BM) degrees from NYU. In March 2023, the Schmidt Trio won the Gold Prize at the International Young Artists Competition and made their Carnegie Hall debut the following month with Brahms’s Piano Trio No. 1 in B Major, Op. 8. They went on to win First Prize at the Charleston International Competition in May 2023 and First Prize in the Collegiate Classical Music category of the International Youth Music Competitions in June 2024. From September to December 2023, the trio was accepted into NYU’s Study Abroad Program in Paris, France, performing at renowned venues such as the École Normale de Musique de Paris, la Fondation des États-Unis, and Maison de l'Île-de-France. There, they were awarded 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. In 2024, the Schmidt Trio was named the inaugural Artists in Residence at Porto Pianofest, and in 2025, they served as Artists in Residence at the Zodiac Music Academy & Festival. Their collaborations include projects with The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York Youth Symphony, Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia, and More Music’s In the Live Room series. Described by Oberon’s Grove as, “nothing short of professional, playing with an incredible level of confidence and precision,” the trio has continued to garner attention for their dynamic sound and refined ensemble playing.
The Schmidt Trio is committed to amplifying the voices of young artists and fostering inclusive environments within the classical music industry. Mentored by Giora Schmidt, Naoko Tanaka, and Luba Poliak, the ensemble draws inspiration from their encouragement for young musicians to advocate for themselves. In a field where conventional ideologies continue to stand, the trio recognizes the necessity for young artists to actively create their own opportunities to share meaningful work. They aim to continue collaborating with composers, videographers, photographers, and fellow emerging creatives to support mutual artistic growth and innovation.
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 graduated from NYU Steinhardt with an Outstanding Achievement Award, completing her undergraduate degree in Piano Performance on a full scholarship. She is currently continuing her graduate studies at NYU 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.
Beyond performing, Malka is also an active teacher and composer. A certified Steinway & Sons Educator, she finds great fulfillment in guiding students and sharing her passion for music through education. Her work as a composer extends beyond traditional concert settings, as she continues to explore new creative projects. A devoted fan of musical theater, Malka hopes to take part in more productions, blending her love for classical music with the theatrical world. She believes that young artists have the power to inspire, heal, and spread joy through the arts, and looks forward to organizing more events with the Schmidt Trio to create opportunities for artistic collaboration that continue to inspire her and those around her.
Noelia Carrasco
Noelia Carrasco is a versatile cellist known for her dynamic performances across solo, chamber, and orchestral settings, and for her commitment to artistic excellence and community-driven projects. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Cello Performance from New York University, where she studied with Marion Feldman and Emirhan Tunca, and is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree at the Mannes School of Music under Ole Akahoshi. She has also studied at École Normale de Musique de Paris with Anssi Karttunen, and was a 2020–21 Vargas-Vetter/Ukena Fellow, receiving mentorship from Christine Lamprea. At age 17, Noelia recorded on the New York Youth Symphony’s debut album Works by Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Valerie Coleman, which topped the Billboard charts and won a Grammy for best Orchestral Performance in 2023. In April 2025, Noelia made her solo debut at New York City Center, performing Armadura by Andrea Casarrubios as the opening act for Melinda Gates’ book tour. Her performance career also includes appearances in high-profile projects for CNN, NBC, The Tonight Show, Tribeca Film Festival, and Peacock’s Long Bright River. Noelia is an active member of both the Westside Chamber Players and the Second Ending Ensemble, two dynamic groups that regularly present concerts in venues across New York City, engaging diverse audiences with innovative programming.
Noelia has worked with organizations such as the Paterson Music Project, Back to Bach, and the Youth Orchestra of Saint Luke’s to promote access and representation in classical music. Her work also includes organizing a fundraising concert for Black Lives Matter in 2020 and joining Protestra’s 2024 benefit for humanitarian aid in Gaza. As a BIPOC musician, Noelia’s experiences have deepened her passion for making music accessible to underserved and underrepresented communities. She is dedicated to creating opportunities for diverse young artists to connect within the music world and amplify their voices through a shared love of music.
Angel Guanga
Angel Guanga is a violinist based in the Tri-State area, recognized for his dedication to both performance and artistic growth. He began his violin studies at the age of 14 with Madeleine Jansen and went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from New York University, where he was honored with the Outstanding Leadership and Service Award in String Performance. At NYU, he studied with Cyrus Beroukhim, Associate Professor of String Studies, as well as distinguished faculty members Gregory Fulkerson and Giora Schmidt. In the fall of 2023, he furthered his studies at the École Normale de Musique de Paris, an NYU-affiliated conservatory, under the guidance of Isabelle Flory. Angel is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music, where he studies with Lucie Robert and Xiao Wang.
Angel Guanga has participated in masterclasses with renowned artists including Sheryl Staples, Katharina Kang, Daniel Phillips, Melissa White, and Peter Herresthal. In the 2024–2025 season, he was a member of the New York Youth Symphony, described as “one of the most awarded youth programs of its kind in the nation.” As part of his involvement, he was selected for the 2024-25 Vargas-Vetter/Ukena Fellowship, through which he received mentorship from Stephen Giost, Acting Assistant Principal Violist of the San Francisco Opera. Angel was a member of the New Jersey Symphony Youth Orchestra under the baton of Henry Kao. He later joined the New Jersey Youth Symphony for the 2020–2021 season, performing under the direction of Helen Cha-Pyo. Angel also received an Honorable Mention in the NJYS Concerto Competition for his performance of Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto, Op. 14. As an active orchestral musician, Angel has held fellowship positions at the Roundtop Music Festival in 2022 and 2024, as well as the Ozark Music Festival, serving in both principal and section roles.
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.